CBM 8-Bit Magazine Index: Commodore World

Issue 3

Volume, Numberd
/ : $495US. ~
$5,95 Canada :

THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR COMMODORE 64 & 128 USERS

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) SECOND CLASS

SOFTWARE SUPPORT
INTERNA TIONAL

Thousands of Commodore Owners Choose Us
As Their One Stop Supplier . Here's Why!

> Largest Selection of Commodore Software in the U.S.A.!
After seven years in business, nobody in the Commodore
market is more committed to your Commodore than we are.
We have well over 200,000 pieces of hard to get software in
stock to service your every need. If you've heard of a product,
odds are that we can locate it for you. And, we stock most
major Commodore titles that are still in production.

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Although we can't get keyboards and disk drives any longer,
we can offer disks, modems, cables, interfaces, and much
more.

> Un-Advertised Specials.
Our regular customers enjoy VIP service and great bargains
that are hard to pass up.

Expert Technical Support.
As a regular Software Support customer, you have access to
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Ever hear of Maverick, Super Snapshot, Super 1750 Clone,
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We were very pleased when the Better Business Bureau came
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> Extensive Catalog.

Our contacts at other mail
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us that producing a catalog
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Check Out These Examples...

GAMES,
Leaderboard Golf.
Castle Wolfenstien
Nord & Bert....
Zork 1-23 Bundle.
Trump Castle Casino
Bureaucracy 128....
Defender of the Crown
Beyond Zork 128
Three Stooges
Honeymooners

Wheel Fortune 1-2-3 Bundle

EDUCATIONAL
Dinosaurs .....
Stickybear Math
European Nations & Locations
Typing Tutor 4
Word Attack
Reader Rabbit
Sky Travel.
Lovejoy Prep For SAT
Word Spinner...

PRODUCTIVITY
Super 1750 Clone
Newsroom .....
Certificate Maker
Geos 64 v2
Fast Load Cart
Paperclip Il 64/128.
Printmaster Plus...
Superbase 64 or 128.
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Outrageous Pages.
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Items Listed Above Do Not Include Shipping. Call Or Write For Your Free
[Catalog Listing Hundreds Of Products And Special Offers For Your
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C O N T N 7

ISSUE 3 .

COMMODORE

~ WORLD

‘THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR COMMODORE 64 & 128 USERS.

Genera MANaGer
Charles R. Christianson
Sd
Eoiror
Doug Cotton
A
Tectnicat Eoiror
Mark Fellows
od
Aoverrisine Sates
Charles A, Christianson
413-525-0023
°
Graptic Arts
Doug Cotton
Sa
Etectronic Pre-Press & PRINTING
Mansir/Holden, Inc.

°
On Tre Cover
Hardball, Beach Head 2, Impossible Mission,
and CMD's SmartTrack.
Cover art by Doug Cotton.

‘Commodore World is in no way affliated with Commodore
Businoss Machines, Inc. Commodore World is published bi-
quarterly by Creative Micro Designs, inc., 15 Benton Driva,
East Longmeadow MA 01028-0846, Second-Class Postage
Paid at East Longmeadow MA. Application to mail at
Socond-Class postage rates is pending at East Longmeadow,
MA, Annual subscription rato is US$29,95 for U.S, addrossos,
(USS35.05 for Canada or Mexico, USS45.95 forall EC Counttios,
andUS$57.95 toallother addresses worldwide. Allsubscription
paymonts must bo provided in U.S. Dollars. Mail subscriptions
to CW Subscriptions, c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc., P.O,
Box 646, East Longmeadow MA 01028-0646,

contents copyright © 1994 by Creative Micro
ns, Inc., unless otherwise noted. No part of this
publication may be printed or otherwise reproducod by any
‘moans without prior written consent from the publisher, All
programs published in this publication ate for the personal use
of the reader, and may not be copied or in any way distributed
Allrights reserved. Programming exampies and routines in this
Issue which are presented for educational purposes may be
used in the creation of programs by the purchaser of this ofthis
‘magazine, provided credit for the routines is clearly presented
in either the program documentation, or the program itselt
Croative Micro Designs, Inc., assumes no responsibility for
‘errors oF omissions in editorial, program listings or advertising
content. Creative Micro Designs, Inc., does not assume any
Niability for advertisors’ claims

POSTMASTER: Sond address changes to CW Address
Changos, c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc,, P.O. Box 646, East
Longmeadow MA 01028-0646.

VOLUME 1 . NUMBER 3

FEATURES
20 Let THe Games CONTINUE by Doug Cotton

A little history, and some information on tracking down those elusive games,

22 Pusuic Domain GAMES by Tim Walsh
Tim picks his Top 20 PD games, and tells you where to find them.

28 Haro Tips: Buco Your Own Aupio Diaitizer by Mark Fellows

This simple circuit will let you digitize your own sounds with the Digimaster software.

Reviews

30 DIGIMASTER by John Serafino
The first 8-bit digital sound editor for the C-64

31 A Day IN THE Lire Or A Pretistoric MAN by Sherry Freedline

A brand new game for the C-64 emerges from Creative Pixels

32. MINIVIEWS by Sherry Freedline and Steve Vander Ark
Mini-reviews of Navy Seal, The Blues Brothers, Island of the Dragon, SWAP, Wings of
Circe, and Escape Route: The Adventures of Erie Hawthorne, Private Investigator.
34 Harpware: SMARTTRACK by Les Songa
CMD releases the first proportional trackball for the C-64/128

COLUMNS
16 Just For STARTERS by Steve Vander Ark

Disk drive and file name basics.
18 Foreign ExcHANGE by Joseph Gaudl

The goose that lays the GEOS eggs? What's that all about?
36 GRAPHIC INTERPRETATION by Steve Vander Ark

According to Steve, you just gotta have this stuff for GEOS.
38 GEOPROGRAMMIST by Maurice Randall

What you'll have to know about GEOS memory when writing your own programs.
40 Basic INSTINCTS by Gene Barker

STARSHIP COMBAT continues to grow as Gene adds the use of weapons.
44 AbvANceD TECHNIQUES by Doug Cotton

More tips on making ‘common code’ programs.
46 PERIPHERAL VISION by Doug Cotton

Part two of our series on SCSI devices and commands.
AQ Carrier DETECT by Les Songa

A guided tour of The Phoenix Network.
55 Over THE EDGE by Charles A. Christi

The latest word on Commodore's liquidation.

DEPARTMENTS
2 From THe Epitor 12 Ustr Group Connection See Our
4 Backtauk 14. Top Tips
4 Error Correction 24 Commopore Trivia SHeeEen
6 dust Asking 52 BBS Srotucir Utility
8 ON The Horizon 56 Aoverriser’s INDEX On Page 48
10 THe CONNECTION 56 Cuassirteo Abs

FROM THE EpITor...

So here it is, proof that we have indeed survived the demise of Commodore. Not that there was
any doubt, mind you, but I get calls all the time from users wondering how the fall of Commodore
will affect us. I even had one caller who seemed genuinely surprised that anyone answered the
phone! I guess we just can't state it loud enough for everyone to hear, but Commodore has ignored
the 8-bit market for so long that they hardly seem necessary for the market to continue on.

Ive had some other calls where I've been asked if Commodore World's parent company (CMD)
plans to buy the 8-bit product line through the liquidation of Commodore's assets that is currently going
on, From what we know of the liquidation, this would not even be possible, as the liquidators plan to
sell everything in one lump to a single bidder, We're talking millions of dollars here, folks—so this isn't
really an option to anyone interested in just the 8-bil product line, CMD will, of course, contact the new
owners once the dust has settled, and we'll report on any news that emerges from that. But for now, we're
allinthesame waiting game, to see just who willend up with what's left of Commodore, and what they'll
do with it,

Okay, with all that out of the way, let's get on with the new issue of Commodore World that you're
holding in your hands, You might notice that we've slipped Commodore Trivia into our regular
departments. We'll feature these little tidbits from Jim Brain in each issue now, You will notice one
difference, though—the answers to the questions that appear in this issue won't be printed until next
issue, Okay, call it cruelty, or whatever—we just felt that it would be more challenging for you if you
didn't have the answers within easy reach,

We've also got the very first look at the new CMD SmartTrack, which just started shipping this
month, Les Songa has done an expert job at testing this new device, and has some interesting comments
onit.

There's also a review of the innovative new digital sound editor from Autumn Technologies,
Digimaster. Not only that, but we've also presented the author's schematic for building your own
hardware sound digitizer in this issue. Combined with Digimaster, the digitizer will allow you to
digitally record sounds with an amazing amount of clarity, In this stage of the Commodore 64/128
lifetime, this is truly a development of mammoth proportion.

You might notice one other thing that’s very different in this issue of Commodore World—screen
we finally got equipped to handle these, so you'll be seeing them regularly in future issues,
Speaking of which, I think L hear Issue 4 calling my name...

saa

Doug Cotton
Commodore World Editor

Volume 1, Number 3 2 COMMODORE WORLD

Info 215-586-5701
FAX 215-586-5706

We do not piblish a catalog Pease
call if you don't see what you Want.

Software Hut

Folcroft East Business Park 313 Henderson Dr

Orders 800-932-644

© SPECIAL OFFER ° Receive either Master Type Typing cartridge or Jack Attack
cartridge for only $2.00 additional with any order - Originally valued at $49.00

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Commodore

AMIGA

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 to 6
Sat 10 to 4 - Eastern

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Airborne Ranger $10.00
‘Ardok the Barbarian 6.00
Below the Roat 10.00
Big Boggle 14.00
Blackjack Academy 12.95,
Brian Bloodaxe/Revelatlon/QuoVadls 6.00
Curse of the Azure Bonds 14,00
Deja Vu 9.00
Demolition Mission = Space Racer 6,00
Dolphin's Rune 5.00
Felony! 9.00
Gateway to the Savage Frontier 14,00
Jack Attack cartridge 6.00
Jeopardy 1,2, Jr, Sports (Specify) 10.00
Learning Bridge Made Easy 9.00
Max! Goll 6.00
Monopoly

Navy Seals

PathWords

Poo! of Radiance

President is Missing

Rambo 2

Risk

Secrets ofthe Silver Blades
Shoot'em Up Construction Kit

Silent Service
Swiss Family Robinson 10.00
Tass Times in Tone Town 9.00
Test Pilot Bundle (ATF, Crazy Cats,

Tomahawk, Harrier, Inlitrator 2) 15.00
Tetris 13.00
Three Stooges 12.95
Tony LaRussa Baseball 12.00
Tony LaRussa Teams (Specity) 7.00
Welrd Dreams 11,00

Wheel of Fortune 1,2,Gold.dr (Specity) 10.00

Where (Specity) is Carmen S.0.? 27.00
Who Framed Roger Rabbit 22.00
World Games 12.00
Wrath of the Demon 22.00

PERIPHERALS &

ACCESSORIES

1764 RAM Exp. - Adds 256K to C64 or

64C, w/Heavy Duty Power Supply -
$69.95

1700 RAM Expansion - Adds 128K to

6128 or 1280 $49.95

1670 Modem - New, unboxed +$17.95

1670 Modem - New, boxed with all parts
$29.95

Micro R&D Printer Interface - For non:
CBM parallel printers, supports graphics
$49.95

1200 Commodore Printor - Complete
with all Cabling and Manual, 120¢ps.,
Supports Graphics, Ready to use =
$129.95

1950 Mouse + Wow, unboxed “$29.95

5 oF 8 pin Composite Cable $8.95
6126 to Magnavow/1084 (Specity) 14,95
Computer/Disk Drive Cable - 61, 12.95
Disk Notcher 4,95
Surge Protector wEMI (6 Outlet ) 14,00
4084S Monitor Call

Call for Printer Ribbons

Volume 1, Number 3

AMIGA 500
Special

+ Roturbished by Commodore
* Like-now condition, 90 Day Warranty
* Great for Beginners
* Mouso & Power Supply additional
One A500 for $125.00
Two or more for $115.00 each
Bundled Options
Purchase an Amiga 500 computer
& you may buy the following
bundled options at these special
reduced prices.

‘A500 User Man.WB 1.3 Enhancer$10.00

A500 Power Supply & Mouse 39.00
A501 512K RAM 29.00
‘A520 Video Adapter 25.00
AAlfaData External Floppy Drive 79.95,
1084S Monitor 239.00
Discovery Bundle: KindWords,

OPaint 2, Ports of Call 11.00

Starter Bundle: KindWords,

Fusion Paint, F-18, F-40,

Indiana Jones 15.00
As the LARGEST Amiga Dealer in
the United States, we carry a
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A1200, A2000, A3000, A4000, &
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0-32 $399.95
‘1200 Call
‘A4000/030/120Mb/4Mb 1699.00
‘A4000/040/120Mb/6MD 2299.00

Call for other configurations and
for the latest Amiga & CO-32

software,
Productivity

Big Blue Reader 4 $35.00

‘Data Manager 2 (64) 22.95

‘Dome Home Accounting 64.95

GEOS 64 v2.0 42.95

GEOS 128 v2.0 45,00

Geo Filo 64 oF Geo Cale 64 (Specify) 45.00
Geo Filo 128 or Geo Cale 128 (Spocity)52.95,

Geo Programmer Call
Goo Publish 64 45.00
Master Type 8.00
Morlin 128 45.00
News Maker 128 10.00
PrintShop 36.95
Swittale (64) 22.95
Super 81 Utities 64-128 (Specity) 14.00
Superbase 64 v3.01 26.95
WordWriter 6 34.95

C64 TRADE-IN

PROGRAM

Is your C64 or 64C broken?

Can't find any place to repair it? We
have, relurbishod by Commodore, C64
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Include a Full New 90 Day Warranty,
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— SS

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+ 64 Power Supply - $22.95,

+ 64 oF GAC Keyboard (Specity) - $19.00
+ C1280 Keyboard - $22.00

C1280 Int. P, Supply - $38.00

+0128 Ext. P. Supply Relurb - $34.00

+P. S, for 1541-2 1571-2 1581- $26.00
* Micro R&D C64 Rep'able P.S. - $36.95
+0128 Motherboard - $95.00

C1280 Motherboard - $99.95

Bollistick or Navigator (Specity) $20.00
The Bug 23,00

Competition Pro 5000 21.00
Ergo Stick 18.00
Hyper Stat Joystick 24.00
kraft Triple Trackball 40.00
Maverick 1 or Tac3 (Specify) 14.00
Python 1 or Apache 1 (Specity) 13.00
Slik Stik 9.00
Speed King Turbotire 22.00
Super Pro Zip Stick 21.00

Software Hut
1581Drive
EXCLUSIVE

‘A BRAND NEW production run of 15615, by
Commodore, has been made available to
Software Hut EXCLUSIVELY! These drives
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1571 Drives are totally NEW units, with all
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$159.95

OUR POLICI

‘No waiting for your orders to ship.
Orders in by 2PM go out the same day.
Second Day & Overnight shipping Is
available, Inteenational orders are
shipped by Alr Parcel Post, UPS or DHL.
Domestic orders are shipped UPS,
‘+All orders are subject to credit card
verification «
‘All pices subject to change *

Supplies aro limited and on a first-come
first-serve basis. We accopt Visa, Master
Card, and Discover, We also ship COD,
accepting Gash, Gertitied Chock, oF
Money Order. Software and accessories
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$6.00 for small items, Call for larger
items (le, Computers), COD add $5.00.
Minimum COD order Is $50.00. Canadian,
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We will bill only for actual shipping
charges & Insurance at time of order.
15% re-stocking fee on all returns not
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(© Copyngit 1994, lechWriters Inc. AINghis Reserved

COMMODORE WORLD

G@JACKTALK

COMMODORE WORLD READERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS

Overwhelming Response

Ifour mail is any indication, your new magazine
isabighit! Our Users Group wasnot prepared for
the large response to your mentioning our
collection of Commodore 128 Public Domain
and Shareware software (the 20 disk “Tipton
Collection”). The requests have taken us quite by
surprise but we have hustled and filled the orders
as fast as we could, We are thrilled there are so
many people still interested in Commodore
computers,

Joi Ball, Secretary
MPCUG

P.S, It would have been nice, since you printed
our club name and address in the article on page
4, to have included usin your Users Group listing
on page 12!

Also, you might want to remind everybody
that when they write to a Users Group for
information, a self-addressed, stamped envelope
or at least a 29¢ stamp would be greatly
appreciated. Most Users Groups are small and
working on a limited budget. While 29¢ isn’t
much by itself, when we get several requests all at
once, it does mount up to sizable sum.

We'd love to add your group to our list, but we do
require that all groups listed provide us with certain
information, Please see the paragraph found at the
end of our User Group Connection for details,

- Fd.

Warm & Fuzzy SCSI

To add to your info file, and for anyone else who
might run into the problem... I've solved my
problem with hooking that Quantum 240 meg
mech up to the HD—due in part to yourarticlein
the 2nd issue of Commodore World, which
arrived today. Read it, got thinking about the
terminator resistors, called the guy I'd bought
the drive from and found that the terminators on
my mech weren't original. He had several of the
same mechs, but only one had its resistors. He
took it to a local parts store, they had “read” the
values ofthe goodone,andsold him “comparable”

Volume 1, Number 3

formatted, Removing the s

replacements. Nope. When I pulled the resistors
off another dead Quantum mech and tried ‘em
on the 240, it was recognized fine!

His DOS SCSI card recognized the subbed
resistors, and the CMD interface recognized it as
a daisy device, but not as a primary. Live
and learn (and forget next week).

George Page

1 Need Some Space

object strenuously that the"CHK-LIST” program

is sensitive to spaces. I hate code without spaces!
J.H. Smalley

While we can understand your point-of-view, there
are good reasons for the program to be sensitive to
Spaces; in some programs, there are indeed places in
the code where spaces absolutely must be present for
thecodetoworkcorrectly, or for displays to be properly
ensitivity to spaces from
CHK-LIST would mean that errors in entering those
particular lines could creep through.

- Ed.

Where's The End?

I got my copy of issue #2 last week, and am very
impressed. Youfolksdidanexcellentjobas usual.
Who built the CMD racecar? Wonany races with
)

One small suggestion:
sort of “bullet” or graphic indicator added to
mark the end of articles. Many of the articles are
signed by the contributors at theend ofthearticle,
for example in The Connection area. However, the
other articles, such as Just For Starters, Special
Report, Graphic Interpretation, and geoProgrammist
have no signature at the end, since isit part ofthe
column masthead.

A small block, or even a stylized “CW” at the
end of the article would help slow people like me
realize the article is finished, and stop me from
flipping over pages to see where it is continued.

By the way, I really appreciate how you have
kept the articles together. It must have been quite
alot of work. Another magazine I read drives me

would like to see some

4

nuts, as nearly every articleis continued 40 pages
later for one lousy paragraph, or single column, |
enjoyed not having my flow of reading broken
up.
Thanks for all the hard work!
Jim Dearden

The car belongs to Maurice Randall, who has been
involved in racing for a number of years. To my
knowledge, he has only raced it once since adding the
CMD lhgos, and blew the engine early on in that race.
Due to running late with Issue 2, we skipped working
in the dingbats at the end of articles. We'll attempt to
get these back in for future issues,

- Ed.

Vote of Confidence
Your answer to Darla Smith in Just Asking [CW
Issue 2) when asked what software you use to
produce Commodore World shows the rest of the
world the great credibility of CMD and
Commodore World. Please “live longand prosper”,
we need you!

Charlie Colwell

§)

Ea RR Oo F
CORRECTION

In Issue 2 of Commodore World, one of the
listings in Advanced Techniques was processed
incorrectly, and contained an error. The listing
appeared in the right hand column on page 44,
and the line containing the error was line 10.
Fortunately, most of our readers appeared to
notice that thislinewassupposedto beidentical
to the line 10 given in the left column on the
same page. This error was first pointed out to
Commodore World by Ed Bell; thanks, Ed. For
the record, line 10 should have looked|ike this:

6868 10 PRINZCHRS(147);:F=ABS(PEER(65533)=255
) :Me@:IPPTHENM=ABS (PEEK (215)>127) :TFMTHE
NEAST:WINDUW20, 0,59, 24

COMMODORE WORLD

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Volume 1, Number 3 5 COMMODORE WORLD

Just ASKING

THE COMMODORE WORLD STAFF LOOKS FOR ANSWERS TO USERS’ QUESTIONS

When the Commodore 1902

[monitor] that I got with my used

system gaveitup, along: ly
(whew!) uncovered a Magnavox RGBI80-column
unit which is working fine (knock wood). During
the time I was looking, I read some information
that led me to believe that an IBM CGA-type
monitor might work with my C128. Is that
possible? I realize that a setup like that could
work only in 80-column mode, but is it doable?
CGA monitors still seem to be generally
available—RadioShack evensellsnewones. What
are your thoughts on this?

John P. LaDez

The information you read is quite

correct. Back when itwas common for

MS-DOS machines to use the CGA
display mode, Magnavox RGB-80 monitors were
commonly used on those machines as well as on
Commodore 64’sand 128's, Othermonitorsmade
specifically for the MS-DOS mac! ) \
didn't have the composite inputs that the
Magnavox has (used for the 64’s and 128's 40-
column modes), but the 80-column RGBI mode
which they did have is fully compatible with the
Commodore 128's 80-column output.

Aftermany years ofrelatively problem-
free operation of my Commodore 64C
system which included two 1541-11
drives, I decided to upgrade to a C128 system...

Along with my system upgrade, | of course
purchased GEOS 128 version 2.0. ...My problem
is not with GEOS per se, but trying to get it to
print out according to my wishes and the
capabilities of both GEOS and my printer. My
son graciously donated an excellent Panasonic
KX-P1123 24-pin printer.

Thave enclosed several printouts ofa file(Read
Me Second) that is included with the GEOS
package. On checking the file’s format when I
received it, it was typed in BSW128 (9Pts) and
plain text. Ino longer have the first printout, but
it was similar in appearance to the other info file
that is on disk—with reference to printers. The
original printout of the “Read Me Second” file
was three ‘pages’ long. Each ‘page’ was

Volume 1, Number 3

approximately 1 '/2 sheets in length. Subsequent
printout of this file have changed to four and
finally to five pages long. Andas you can observe,
most are longer than a sheet in length.

sl have selected the LQ-1500 printer driver
from the GEOS options. A copy of this driver is
located both on the boot disk and on the disk
containing the subject files. ...When the print
options page appears after selecting ‘print’, I
selected Draft. The window on Desktopindicated
that the file was three pages in length. And so it
was, but printed out in the fashion described in
my previous paragraph. I talked to someone
named Doug at CMD and he advised [me] not to
select draft at the print option, but to at
High. Ididand the resultis what you see enclosed
and annotated. It printed out on 5 sheets. It took
an incredible amount of time to print out. It
printed in one direction only—left to right. The
pages to my estimation are over filled, and for
some unknown reason (to me), changed format
approximately halfway down page 2!

The format appears tobe totally different from
that when printed in draft mode. The format
according to the file itself is approximately that
printed in High Res. Prior to printout in draft
mode, the format was checked and according to
the file it was not altered, however the result you
will no doubt see on the printouts are somehow
altered.

I have included several printouts of different
settings. Three ofthese werein NLQmode. Notice
the change halfway through the printout! I need
help.

JE. Avery

Upon close examination of your print-
outs, and consideration of your
comments, I can only conclude that
there have been some changes made in your
document. But the real problemis thatyou'rejust
not yet familiar with how geoWrite operates.
Let's tackle your document problem first. As
you indicated in your letter, the NLQ printouts
do indeed change partway through. This is not a
quirk of GE
doing what it is being instructed to do. At this
point in your document, you apparently made
some kind of change in the font being used.
You can verify this easily enough. Do this:
select a single character by dragging the pointer
over it from left to right while holding down the
left mouse button. This will select the area you
drag the pointer over, and that area should show
up as ‘reversed’, Now pull down the font menu
and note which font name has an asterisk to the
left of it. You can also examine the style menu
this way. Now move to a page where the text in
your printout appeared to be altered, and select a
character of that text. Again, examine the font
and style menus. You should notice something
different between the two selections you
examined.
You can easily fix this mismatch.

$ oF your hardware—geoWrite is

arting on,

the first page of the document, choose the ‘select
page’ option from the options menu. Now use the
font and style menus to define the text into a
specific font and style. After you have
accomplished this on the first page, move to the
second page and repeat this operation. Do thison
each page of your document, moving page-by-
page from the beginning to the end. So long as
you make the same font and style selections on
each page, your document will have consistent
formatting when you've finished.

Now on to some of the other things you
mentioned. Most of your questionsand concerns
spring from your unfamiliarity with how
geoWrite prints. You must first understand that
GEOS means Graphic Environment Operating
System, and the first word of that is the key to
how GEOS does things—graph

GeoWrite was made to do something most
Commodore word processors could not—allow
you to create documents using a vast library of

COMMODORE WORLD

typefaces (fonts) in a wide selection of sizes, and
toproportionally space text. Ifyou'renot familiar
with the terms proportional and monospaced as
they apply to text, here's an example:

Proportional Text aiiMIO
Monospaced Text aiiMIoO

As you can see in the example, proportionally
spaced text maintains a relatively equal amount
of space from the end of one character to the
beginning of the next. With mono:
however, the space between characters varies with
the width of the characters—in other words, any
character and its surrounding space is equal to
the total space used by any other character. This
means that thereis generally more blank space in
the makeup of:

ced text,

se ‘i’ than there would be
for a lowere: , because the ‘w' itself is
generally wider than an ‘i’,

‘The fonts built-into your printer are generally
monospaced. While most modern printers have
a certain amount of proportional printing
abilities it those capabilities are limited and

ability t to use a "ae variety of fonts and point
sizes by turning the characters you type into part

of a graphical bit-map. This is akin to actually
drawing a character shape ina drawing program.
In such a program you can make the character
any shape you want, and you can determine its
size within the limitations of the work area.

In order to make the text appear on paper just
as it does on the screen, GEOS has to print the
page as if it were a picture—the location of each
dot making up the screen must be sent to the
printer for an accurate reproduction of the
characters, This is what GEOS does when you
select the High’ quality print mode, It also only

prints from left to right since bidirectional
printing of graphic data tends to introduce a
‘weaving’ pattern as the paper is forced from side
to side by the impact of the pins while the head is
moving. This makes for slow printing, more so
since GEOS has to send over 80 bytes to the
printer to define just one row of dots (you can
speed things up dramatically on a 24-pin printer
with a GEOCABLE). Using printer fonts, this
amount of data would print a complete line of
text—but that method limits you to using those
three or four fonts that the printer has,
When youprintin Draft or NLQmodes,
does use the printer's fonts. This can cre
problems, though, ifnot handled correctly, You
see, ifthe documents formattedina proportional

ate

font, a page will generally contain far more
characters than the monospaced fonts in your
printer can produce on a page. You'll have to
format each page again (always work from the
first page to the last in order) using the
Commodore 10 point font. This isa monospaced
font which is generally equivalent in the amount
of space it uses to the fonts in your printer. You
must also select ‘NLQ spacing’ from the page
menu in geoWrite to make everything work
correctly, but these modes do not support the
styles used in the document (bold, italics, ete,).

Ss)

JUST ASK!

Having trouble getting your system to
do what you want it to, or think you've
got something wrong with your
hardware? Just Asking may be able to
help find a solution, or get you pointed
in the right direction. Send your
questions to;

CW Just Asking

c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
P.O. Box 646

East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0646

WHO WE ARE

Glen Doty/Phoenix1 - Chief Engineer
OUR GOAL

ally have fun.
OUR POLICY

Kat Tate/Mystique - Dir. Online Operations

To provide a place where ALL computer
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own group!

* TRADEWARS 2002 Play the hottest new
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* Some of the Best & Brightest members of
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Full access is not granted
Unless you provide credit info.

2, Atthe CONNECT type in the
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2400 baud: @D <return>
3. At Terminal = type: D1
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for access to The Phoenix.

Volume 1, Number 3

COMMODORE WORLD

COMMODORE AND Compu’

New Version of Compression Kit Announced

Mad Man Software has recently announced that they will release a new
version of The Compression Kit, their disk and file archiving and backup
utility for the C-64, We received the following information in June from
company spokesperson Ryan Todd Vander Stoep:

A new version of The Compression Kit is due for release this month.
For those who are unfamiliar with this product, it consists of:
* Filemaster- moves, copies and deletes files
* Procopy - copies entire disks
+ Archiver - compressed backup of one or many files; has the ability
to list files in an existing archive, and can de-archive files,
* Boas(1541, 1571, 1581,CMD Native)-Compressesentire disks or
partitions

Cit Version 2.0 enhancements include:

+ A new, faster compression scheme dubbed ‘PYTHON’ which
creates more compact archives

+« RAM device compatibility - can use the Commodore 17x series
RAM Expansion Units, DACC partitions on CMD RAM devices,
and the additional memory in a Commodore 128

* More selectable files - up to 800 files can now be selected in the
archiver, and up to 1200 files in the filemaster

For further information on The Compression Kit, contact:
Mad Man Software

1400 East College Drive

Cheyenne, WY 82007

(307) 632-1178

Messiah III Update
Mad Man Software, makers of The Compression Kit, have recently passed on
this news concerning Messiah III: Nemesis, a role-playing game which Mad
Man has been developing:

For all practical purposes, Messiah II] is completed, We are currently
examining options for funding the release of this program. This role-
playing adventure game contains more than 10 screens, 25 level
300 pictures, Playing time is estimated at more than 300 hours to
complete. A prototype of a few levels has been previously reviewed by
both RUN and Compute's Gazette.

Mad Man Software has assured Commodore World that they will keep us
apprised of any change in the status of this product.

Volume 1, Number 3

R INDUSTRY News

Threshold Productions Releases New Game

‘Threshold Productions, anew game producer forthe C-64/128 market, has
recently announced the release of their first game, Lazer Dual. Here is the
information provided to Commodore World by Threshold representative
Jonathon Mines:

Lazer Duel, our first product, will begin shipping July 15, 1994. A
two level 2,00 (credited
and handling.
vailable at two prices: $14.95 for non-user group
for user group members. To get the user group,
discount you must have your treasurer or president send payment
with letterhead of the group. Included with the full game is a coupon
fora $5 discount off Lazer Duel II, which is nowin the planning stages.

We are also working on three other products; an RPG (first in a
trilogy), a fast paced circuit type racing game, and a funny game with
a little mischievous goblin.

le preview is available by sending

against purchase of the full version) to cover shippin;
The full version is «
members, and $9

You may contact Threshold concerning their products at the following:

Threshold Productions
18801 26th A
Seattle, WA, 98
(206) 361-1332 (message)

tpinfo@eskimo.com (Internet)

CMD Adds Action-Replay and More

RIO Computers recently announced that they wouldno longer besupplying
Datel’s Action-Replay cartridge; that's the bad new:
Creative Micro De: nd has arranged to begin
selling this product. Action-Replay Mk VI is a utility cartridge for the
Commodore 64 (or Commodore 128 in 64 mode) which includes functions
for capturing programs and saving graphic screens; it also includes a sprite
killer, sprite monitor, printer dump utility, machine language monitor, file
and whole disk copiers, a pokefinder (for unlimited lives in gam inall
the cartridge includes disk and tape fastloaders, adds several useful
commands (MERGE, APPEND, OLD, DI ete.) to BASIC, and will
also redirect printer output for device 4 to a printer connected with a
GEOCABLE,

While many of Action-Replay's disk functions cannot be used directly
with CMD storage devices, CMD expressed excitement over the product's
ability to de-protect software; programs de-protected in this manner can
then be copied onto (and booted from) CMD storage devices, The ability to
output documents with most programs via a GEOCABLE was another
feature which CMD found appealing about the product. CMD plans to
have Action-Replay in-stock by mid-August, and has set a selling price of
$59.00 plus shipping.

. The good newsis that

signs has contacted Dat

COMMODORE WORLD

CMD has also announced that they are readying their new GEOCABLE
Iforrelease. Up until now, the GEOCABLE sold by CMD has been provided
by Skyles Electric Works. CMD has decided to produce a new version with
a switch for the pass-through port, enabling modems to remain attached
while the connection to the printer is in use (this was not possible on the
Skyles model, which included a pass-through port, but no switch). CMD
expects the price of GEOCABLE II to be $29.00, and will include a disk
containing GEOS printer drivers with each cable.

CMD has also added Aprotek modems and hardware to their product
catalog, and began shipping the new SmartTrack proportional trackball in
early August.

Q-Link Announces Shut-Down

The premier Commodore-only Quantum Link on-line service has finally
announced that it will cease to operate on November 1, 1994. QLink was
originally launched in November of 1985, butsinceits owners turned more
of their attention to their America On-line for Macintosh and MS-DC
machinesin the early 90's, the services and quality ofthe QLinksystem
continually declined.

Users with Lifetime membershipson QLinkcantransferthat membership
to an America On-line account. This will, however, require that you have
either an MS-DOS or Macintosh computer. To obtain a sign-on kit for
America On-line, contact AOL Customer Service at 1-800-827-6364. After
signing on, you must inform AOL Billing that you wish to transfer your
QLink Lifetime Membership to your new AOL account.

Additional information concerning this shutdown, account transfers,
billing, and use of accumulated Qpons may be obtained from messages
posted in QLink’s Customer Service area.

Loadstar Releases New Products

Loadstar, the disk-based publication for Commodore 64 and 128 owners,
has recently announced two new products. The first of these is a large
selection of graphics which has been produced for Loadstar over the years
by veteran computer artist Walt Harned. Entitled “The Compleat Walt
Harned”, this collection contains over 250 pictures, and is available on
seven 5¥2 inch disks, or three 342 inch diskettes. Loadstar bills this as the
greatest one-man collection of art on any computer platform. The price,
according to Loadstar’s Newsletter, is a mere $20.00. We're quick to point
out that since Loadstar states that ‘compleat’ is a ten-dollar spelling of
‘complete’, this appears to be a pretty good deal.

The second product announced by Loadstar is novel idea... well, it’s
actually a novel itself, on disk. Entitled SPORT, this software-based book is
equivalent toa paperback containing somewhere between 400-500 pages!
Author Jeff Jones commented that publishers prefer not to publish large
novels by authors who are not well known, so this seemed to him to be the
best way to present the whole story. Billed a ror on disk!”, advertising
for SPORT in Loadstar's Newsletter warns that this story “contains graphic
action sequences and frank language”, and is “not for the faint of heart!”
Loadstar can provide the novel on three 1541 disks, two 1581 disks, or one
CMD FD high density disk. The cost is $5.95 plus $1.00 shipping.

Finally, Loadstar has also announced a bundling arrangement with
CMD, which includes a one year subscription to Loadstar and a CMD
FD-2000 disk drive. Asa bonus, Loadstar also includes their CARDSTAR 1
and GAMESTAR 1 products, two of Loadstar's most popular disks. The
cost ofthe entire packageis $250.00 plus $10.00 shipping. An FD-4000 disk
drive can be substituted for the FD-2000 for an additional $60.00.

E SOFTWARE CERTIFICAI

Call now or mail in this FREE SOFTWARE

CERTIFICATE, and we'll send you a FREE issue of
LOADSTAR, the Commodore software subscription.

Geta

FREE DISK
OF SOFTWARE!

64/128

No kidding. Call 1-800-831-2694
now or mail your valuable FREE SOFT-
WARE CERTIFICATE, and we'll send
you a FREE issue of LOADSTAR’, the
Commodore” software subscription, That
way, you can explore our revolutionary
“subscribe-to-a-disk-of-software” concept
for yourself!

Each monthly issue contains 7-10
programs and features on two 5.25" disks

LonoSTAR

Call 1-800-831-2694 or 1-318-221-8718

for fastest service!

If you like your FREE issue, you can complete a 3-month trial sub-
scription with two more issues for just $19.95". Since your first i
FREE, you'll save 1/3 off the regular 3-month subscription price of $29.95.
When you subscribe, you'll receive a FREE Special Bonus Disk of some
of our most popular programs. You'll also have the option to subscribe for
a longer term and save more, Whether or not you subscribe, your first
issue is FREE.

or one 3.5" disk, Imagine getting features Check disk format:
like these on every issue: 03.5" 0525"
State/Province: CWLO34
*Utilities *Puzzles *Games sete Zip/Mail Code:
rik . “i ‘ ay Phone #: ( )
‘Applications “Tutorials Graphics n Canada $2 (regularly $34.95). Offer available in U. S, and Canada
Music *Reviews *and more! only. International-call for information, Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
cpooi-2/04

Volume 1, Number 3

COMMODORE WORLD

FOADSTAR

Commodore's been dead fora while,
ad of LOADSTAR flaying
our Customer Service
Representatives (CSRs) are flooded
with calls. CMD is going mad with
daily floods of orders, and dieHard
enjoys continued success. What's
goingon? Wh
Couldit bethat Commodore 64 users
are very intimate with
computers? Wedon't ditch them just
becausesomething out there canadd
242 thirty times as fast.
Commodore users program.
Many who don’t still have a good
knowledge of their computer, and
even know thechips(SID, VIC, 6510)
by name. That's why LOADSTAR
would dare consider compiling a

and inste:

cessful?

ewe so su

their

programming disksetin 1994, more
than a decade after the C-64 was
pronounced dead. As I write this
editorial, thousandsofblocksoftext,
BASIC, ML and graphies tutorials,
assemblers, languages and utilities
from LOADSTAR's past are sitting
ona CMD HD partition, waiting to
be organized into what will most
likely be a very hot product to be
released in late September. [haveno
idea how many disks it will
encompass, but it will be THE book
of Commodoreknowledge, Notonly
will we supply the knowledge, but
the tools (assemblers and languages)

to create great software.

Inlate 1994 wh
to learn to program a computer
pronounced dead in the 80's?
one thing,

wouldone bother

‘or

you can earn money!

Volume 1, Number 3

THE
CONNECTION

News FROM COMMODORE-RELATED VENDORS AND PUBLISHERS

LOADSTAR buys tens of thousands
of dollars worth of programs every
year—even more than our IBM
magazine! CMD buys programs, and
so does dieHard and CEE-64 Alive.
Before I was hired full time as a
Commodore editor/programmer, |
earned thousands free-lance
programming. That was thousands
more than the average know it all
IBM user who told me to ditch my
C64.

Mastering “simple”
language givesthe programmer tools
and logic that make programming
other machines easier. The same for
BASIC though to a lesser extent.
Many may remember Scott Resh,
our former GEOS expert. Never
touchedaMAC. Well, hewastrained
toworkin our MACdepartment and
instantly took to it. He already had
the skills at a very primitive level
that gave him understanding over
what hewas doing. Nowhe'searning
big bucks in the Bahamas. If you
ever find yourself programming on
a747backandforth tothe Bahamas,
you've made it as a programmer.

Programming a C-64 is the
ultimate puzzle. Coaxing a “simple”
computer to do complex things
requires logic and planning, two
things you need to program good
software. The other platforms have
SO many standard tools to help the
serious programmer program, that
the ex-64 programmer thinks it's
heaven. When I go to my 680x0
assembler, the opcodes seem lik
high level language. Seasoned
Macintosh programmers look at
680x0 assembly language as a
“tough” “primitive” language that

one shouldn't have to learn when
there's always C. But when you want
aedg slike
WordPerfect skip C and program in
machine lan;
you want that screen rendered in
two seconds instead of two hours,
you want machine language. Many
companies even advertise that a
program is written in assembler.

In the MS-DOS world, C
compilers have evolved, creating
als the speed of
machine language, but at the
expense of huge programs with
libraries that fill the hard drive. 1
think that in the future it will be
ex-C-64 ML programmers that will
gladly learn Pentium and Power PC
ML and write monster applications
that take up less space and do just as
much ifnot more. urge the Pentium
owners out there to break the mold.
Kick C to the curb, and try ML on
yourothercomputers, Telltheworld
that they can thank the C-64 foryour
fast programs,

Ifyou'rethinking about becoming
a programmer, don’t wait until you
get that DOS machine and the
expensive books and compilers
you'll need, Tr

thatext

ome compan:

e for speed. When

object code that ri

sly ploy to promote our upcoming
blockbuster phantasmagorical
Programming disk set (get it) but if
there is one message I can get across

to fledgling programmers out there
it's “Don't be afraid of Machine
Language. It’s a breeze.”

Jones
Associate Editor, LoadStar

10

—CEE-64

Last night, I had the pleasure of
assisting a couple who had r N
purchased a Commodore 128 tohelp
them run their business. Trying to
runa business and learn to use anew
computer is never an easy thing to
do, but for many small co!
industries, the Commodore still
makes an excellent business choice
because the machine itself doesn’t
cost a fortune. The productivity
software is definitely available,
whether it be commercial software
bought new, or found used from
garage sales or computer swap
meets. There are also hundreds
(perhapsthousands) of productivity
software available as shareware, or
in the public domain,

The couple I helpedare running a
small greenhouseandan herbal craft
store to augment the greenhouse
during the winter months. They
needed some advice on what
programs would best meet their
needs. Theyasked specifically about
the a bility of a spreadsheet
program, di and programs
for writing letter:
They stressed that they wanted more
than just an address label program.
Tasked what they'dbe creating labels
forand discovered they hada variety
of different types of labels they
needed, such as for greenhouse
plants as well as price tags. I
recommended The Fun Graphics
Machine so they could design
different labels tosuit their purposes.

done for labels,

Asthe business grows, they will find

COMMODORE WORLD

other uses for this program, such as
forms, advertising and business
cards.

After making a list of the types of
programs they would need to run
theirbusiness, talked tothem about
other things they might need, such
as things they can use to speed the
computer up, because the less time
theyspendworkingat the computer,
the more time they can devote to

customers and their plants in the
greenhouse. We talked about
cartridges but rejected the idea
because their software would beused
in both 64 and 128 modes, so

agreed JiffyDOS made ser
they wouldn't need to be concerned
about which mode the computer is
in and it would give them e
commandstouse. Wealso discussed
CMD's FD drives, RAM!
ahard drive so they could have
access to their busine:
Whilenot quiteready fe
items just yet, when their business
picks up, one of these devices are
definitely on their list of future
computer upgrades.

I suppose you're asking what all
this has to do with CEE-64 Alive?
Plenty! First of all, we really enjoy
helpingnewCommodoreusers. This
is something that both Jack Vander
White and | find ourselves doing
whether it be via the mail, in person,
orover the computer networks such
as Fidonet. Often, a Commodore 64
is the first computer a person has
ever used. People are sometimes
intimidated by it simply because it's
acomputer.It'sanice feeling to help
someone out and show them the
ropes a little. Second, almost all of
the business of operating CEE-64
Alive! is done on our Commodores.
We do have an understanding of
what's needed to run a business
using the C64 and 128, Third, we're
friendly and like helping people out.

Volume 1, Number 3

THE
GONNECTION

We've got lots of goodies in Vol 3
Issue3, includingatripto Antarcti
to view a partial solar eclipse, an
article explaining the basics of off-
line mail reading, a great mini demo
maker, and an article about a new
kind of revolution destined to make
your world a better place, Our
newsletter diskis filled with the kind
ofinformation new users really need,
as well as info that could even make
ause and
think about. This is of course, the
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
file from the COMP.SYS.CBM
newsgroup on the Internet. This is
over 500 disk blocks with a ton of
64/128 information in it, The flip
side of our newsletter disk is filled to
the brim with COMAL programs.
We'll be taking a deeper look into
COMAL programmingin ourfuture
issues as well.

Until next time, CI

some of us “old-timers”

~ Gaelyne Moranec
Editor, C 4 Alive!

ieHar

That old flat top 128 just doesn’t
always boot up like it should. It is
kinda temperamental, you know.
Must just be old...

Or is it? Larry Pankey has some
news for those of you who thought
you just had to live with that fussy
128, And it's great news! He'll show:
you how to end those power-up
blues!

Wondering about commodore
support? Wonder no more. Doug
Parsonshascompileda very accurate

and up to date listing of many
businesses that supportour beloved
8-bit computers. Every bit of info on
this list has been verified, and these
places are current. We even have
some overflow into the September

"

issueofpeople who couldn't get back
to us in time for deadline!

Mike Gordillo takes us into the
jungles of CP/M formats and brings
us into the light in Part T of C128
CP/M, Trail Blazing in a Jungle of
Formats,

Professional looking color print
outs from yourlittle old printer? Yes!
Jack Blewitt’s 8-Bit 4-Pass Color
Tutorial shows you the method to

rdnertakesalookat Block
the USER-1

Men (
Allocation
Command in DOS & Don'ts, R, Scot
Derrer's Basic BASICstringsus right

and

alongwith Tland TIMES! The latest
’s happening on Delphi, an
introduction, anannouncementand
more from R. J. Smulkowski’s
Cyberspace Cowboy! PRG features
Ernest Barkman’s Text To Screen
and Text To Printer. These file
readershavewordwrapandthe Text
To Printer has a paper save feature
that replaces carriage returns with
an underline character, This issue is.
pat

onwl

ed.

The PRG feature game, entitled
Bongo is among the Spinner-only
files. This Bingo game will not only
gene your cards, and call the
numbers foryou,
'scards!'T
masterpiece
keyboard graphics.
ing of Spinner-only
cranking up the air conditioning,
boot up GEOS and take a look at
Rick k's
mathematical grids. This is part one
of his mathematical excursions.
More for you hardened mathites—
Eugene Heath's String Arithmetic
(October 93 Spinner) comes to life
with Fibonacci 1.2—calculate the
657th value in
the sequence up to the 657th
number, and Sine, Cos, and PI—
calculate Pl to 68 places! Create giant
wireframes for use with FGM, with
Rick Hedrick's Giant Wireframe.

is‘Ted Myers’
commodore

of

Hedr collection of

2.4 seconds or view

will keep track of

Lots of stuff is happening this
summer at LynnCarthy Industries,
Inc. We're launching The Sewing
Room, our new Associate Editor is
starting, we're on Delphi and soon
to be on GEnie! I'm dieHard0 on
both Q-Link and Delphi! So little
time, so much space—cyberspace,
that is!

Well, gotta run! Keep cool this
summer and may your lemonade
neverspillat yourcomputerand may
you always have a pile of blank
formatted disks by your side—
especially while on-line!

- Brian L. Crosthwail

FUN GRAPHICS

MACHINE

ARNING: Blowing up balloons
can land you in the hospital! Your
throat muscles can constrict blood
flow to the brain, causing you to
pass out and suffer a concussion by
smashing your head against a
concrete floor. | mention this
because it recently happened to
Jerry, henceI'm writing this month's
FGM article. Jerry’s “ok” but still
feeling the effects (I never figured
something as soft as conerete could
hurt Jerry's head, but wonders never
cease:).

Jerry had intended to get into the
basics of working with graphies in
FGM, but I'm going to leap on to
LINKED SCREENS because they
seem to cause the most confusion,
LINKED SCREENS is simply an
easier way of working with more than
one screen ata time. A single screen
will only print out four inches wide,
unless you print it at double or
triple width, and limits you on the
amount of text and graphics youcan
use (duh), LINKED SCREENS lets
you use up to three screens side by

ma

(continued on next page)

COMMODORE WORLD

THE
CONNECTION

(continued from previous page)

side, which is 120 columns of work space.
Goaheadand load FGM, goto CREATOR, and
erase the screens. HINT; A fast and easy way to

erase the screens is to use ADJUST Mode; press J,
tap HOME to move the bar to the top, tap -
(minus) to make the bar full-screen size, then
press CTRL

hile still holding CTRL, release
X for the next sereen, then CTRL E to
t. Repeat for the third sereen. Then press
RETURN a few times for the menu.

Set LINKED SCREENS by pressing / from the
menu. This takes you to a sub-menu where you
select how you want the screens linked, For now,
select #2, then select ACROSS at the ACROSS/
DOWN prompt. This gives us two screens linked
across (side by side). Printed at 80 dpi (or 240 dpi
triple width) these print out eight inches wide,

Gotothehi-reseditor (press 4)and play around
a bit. Press T for TEXT Mode and start typing
periods... across the screen, When text hits the
right side the viewing area will seroll right by
twenty columns; you're now viewing the center
area of the two screens, with twenty columns to
the left and right not visible. Type an X here and
continue typing periods until the viewing area
scrolls again, You're now viewing the full second

(right-hand) screen, If you continue typing past
the right side, the viewing area will move
the left screen, Use F3/F4 to move the viewing
arealeli/right, Margins, word-wrap,andthethird
screen are available; READ THE MANUAL),

Saving linked screens is easy; when you doa
SAVE both screens will be saved as individual
screens, butnamedso FGM (andyou) can identify
them. The key is the third and fourth characters
in the filename; these must be a letter and a
number, ie: . FGM will create names
beginning withs.a2ands.a3 forthe otherscreens.
‘Thenumberidentifiesifit's screen 1-3 (left, center,
right, when working with three screens linked

K LO

5

across). The letter identifies how many screens
down this set of across-linked screens is; when.
creating a full page you'll need several sets of
screens down. Begin the name for the next set of
pl, then s.cl for the third
section uses the letters so

sereens down with
set, etc, The PRINTE
it can load ina set of across-linked screens, print

them, then load in the next set.

I'm over my word allotment for this month.
Next month we'll wrap this dragon up, then find
another one to slay. Happy Computing...

- Ron C, Hackley :)
$)

Volume 1, Number 3

USER
GROupP

CONNECTION

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL USER GROUP

ARKANSAS
Northwest Arkansas C.U.G.
P.O. Box 2925

yetteville, AR 72702-2925

ARIZONA

Catalina Commodore Computer Club, Inc.
PO Box 32548

Tueson, AZ 85751-2548

Arizona Commodore User's Group
PO Box 27201
Tempe, AZ 85282-7201

CALIFORNIA

Central Coast Commodore User's Group
3896 Berwyn Drive

Santa Maria, CA 93455,

Southeast San Diego C-64 User's Group
258 Euclid Ave #B
San Diego, CA 92114-3640

South Bay Commodore User's Group
PO Box 1176
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

COLORADO
FCC3

1713 Valley Forge Ave.
Ft, Collins, CO 80526

FLORIDA
EL-Shift-Oh, Inc.

PO Box 361348
Melbourne, FL 32936-1348

ILLINOIS
Blooming-Normal CUG

PO Box 1058

Bloomington, IL 61702-1058

OHIO

Ashtabula County Commodore User's
Group

PO Box 415

Ashtabula, OH 44004

OKLAHOMA
Tulsa Area Commodore User's Group

PO Box 53473
Tulsa, OK 74152-0473

Commodore Users of Bartlesville
1920 Santa Fe
Bartlesville, OK 74003

OREGON

Lane County Commodore User's Group
PO Box 11316

Eugene, OR 97440

Attention User Groups!

Send us your group's name, contact person’s name and phone number, when
and where you meet, number of members, and an address where users can

write to you. Send your group info to:
CW UG Connection

c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc.

P.O. Box 646

East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0646

12

COMMODORE WORLD

shown bere:
CAUISE SHIP
ton te
Trarporaton 1 7p

YOUR SHIP HAS COME IN.

INTRODUCING the first vector drawn, postscript compatible
aspect corrected, object oriented image collection available for
use in the GEOS environment!

clpart ever produced for Conmactre
comput,
ction i
440 page manual titled

ag
“How to Desktop Publish’,
a complete compendium
of tips and tricks, It also
includes selected illustra-
tions of the disk images
boumd in a loose leat
manner.

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How to Order
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To: PageAn
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75367

check or money order

Copyright © 993 by PAGES SOFTWARE GROUP PO, Box 670431 Dalas,TX 75367 24 480 0765 Al Rights Reserved.

Volume 1, Number 3

13

COMMODORE WORLD

Top Tips

FGM'S RON HACKLEY PROVIDES INPUT ON 24-PIN OUTPUT

If you have a 24-pin printer you may have
discovered thatit prints graphics somewhattaller
than the same output from an 8-pin printer. This
can be a very rude surprise, since you probably
expected better graphics printouts. I've tried to
get the word out witha sheet I include with FGM,
but for the benefit of those who have not yet
purchased this great program (shame on you!)
I've put together thisarticle for Commodore World
totryandexplain howto deal with 24-pin printers,

ESCaping Print Modes

The most widely offered solutions suggest
entering escape codes to set the linefeed spacing
before using the program, The big problem with
thismethodis that the program is probably going
to reset the linefeed spacing when it runs.
Additionally, I've noticed that several different
linefeed spacings have been offered. The correct

escape code sequence for setting linefeed spacing
for graphics is pretty universal: ESC 51 24 (ESC
represents 27). This is correct for 8-pin printers,
and for 24-pin printers in both Epson LQ and
IBM Proprinter modes,

‘There is an easy way to get true 8-pin graphics
emulation from most 24-pin printers; the key is
IBM Proprinter mode with AGM OFF (more
about AGM furtheron). Most (but notall) 24-pin
printers have this capability. If your printer
doesn't have this capability (Epson usually
doesn’t), then you're stuck unless you can
motivate one of us Commodore programmers to
write an emulator driver, and then it will likely

We Need Your Top Tips!

Each issue we'll print the very best tips we
receive from our readers. Send your tips on
using and programming your Commodore
64 or 128 to:

CW Top Tips

c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc.

P.O, Box 646

East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0646

Volume 1, Number 3

only work for the single program it’s written for.
My best recommendation, ifyou haven't had the
printer too long, isto try and return itand get one
that includes IBM Proprinter emulation,

When youus pin printer to printgraphics
from most Commodore graphics programs, the
printer uses 8-pin emulation. This is automatic;
the printer knows to use 8-pin emulation because
the escape codes it receives are the ones used for
8-pin printers. There are two kinds of 8-pin
emulation, Epson LQ and IBM Proprinter, The
following isa description of each, beginning with
a short description of true 8-pin output.

8-Pin Output

The “common” 9-pin printer only uses eight pins
for printing graphics, hence I will be referring to
itasan8-pin for thisarticle. A Commodore hi-res
screen is broken into rows, each row being eight
pixels down (a row is the height of the blinking
cursor you see when you turn the computer on).
When printing graphics, each of the pixels cause
a corresponding pin in the printhead to fire (or
not), The pins on an 8-pin printer are Y2" in
diameter, ina vertical line; hence the height ofa
pass of the printhead to print a row is 72" (or
24/116"), which equals 9 rows per inch.

Epson LQ Emulation
This emulation usesall 24 pins in groups of three;

three pins down are assigned to each pixel on the

14

screen, The heightofthe printhead (all 24 pins) is
24/180" per pass of the printhead, or 7.4 rows per
inch, This is 17% taller than the same pass of the
prinhead on an 8-pin printer. The E!
to set proper linefeed spacing so there is no
interlinear slit are either ESC 51 24 for *4/iso" or
65 8 for Yao", " are the same ESCape
code values that would besent toand8-pin printer
for proper graphics linefeed spacing, but they set
the 24-pin printer forthe required largerlinefeed.
Epson emulation gi ity of 60
dpi, which isn’t even as good as an 8-pin printer.
Epson emulation normally allows horizontal
densities of 60, 80, 90, 120, and 240 dpi.

IBM Proprinter Emulation (AGM Off)

i insina2-3 arrangement,
one screen pixel assigned two pins, the next three
pins, etc,, for a total of 20 pins. This gives a
ight for each pass of *%/so" or 9 rows:
per inch, which is the same as a standard 8-pin
printer, The vertical density is 72 dpi, and
programs that expect an 8-pin printer will give a
proper height printout. The ESCape codes for
setting graphic linefeed spacing are the same as
forbothan$-pinanda24-pinin Epson emulation,
but they are interpreted as either *Y216" or ¥;
IBM Proprinter emulation offers horizontal
densities of 60, 120, and 240 dpi.

AGM stands for Alternate Graphics Mode.
IBM Proprinter emulation has two modes: AGM
OFF, and AGM ON. AGM OFF gives you the IBM
Proprinter emulation described above. AGMON
gives you the 60 dpi vertical density of Epson
emulation, usingall 24 pins. Ineither AGM mode
youare limited to horizontal densities of 60, 120,
and 240 dpi;if youwant Epson LQyou'reprobably
better off using it directly rather than using IBM
Proprinter with AGM ON. It’s interesting that
Epson doesn’t offer IBM emulation, although
Epson's competitors do.

IBM Proprinter lacks the most important
80 dpi. Thereisaw y
‘am can print triple width at 240 dpi then it
fectively emulate 80 dpi. With FGM you
canselect 240 dpiat triplewidth. Other programs

COMMODORE WORLD

may accomplish this more transparently (ie:
they're getting 80 dpi by using 240 dpi triple
width but you don’t know it). Using this method
gives youa denser (darker) printout, but it’s also
abit slower,

‘There's one more important thing you need to
know about IBM Proprinter emulation (AGM
OFF). The ESCape code for setting linefeed
spacing with ESC 65 8 doesn’t directly set the
linefeed spacing when / AGM is off; you must
afterwards issue an ES! tever you
defined with 65 8 active. Many programs
don’t know this. It is always better to use ESC 51
24 to set linefeed spacing; it becomes active
immediately.

Graphics programs that send ESC 51 24 to set
linefeed spacing should work fine in IBM
Proprinter mode (AGM OFF). Some programs
may send ESC 65 8 which will be ignored unless
followed by ESC 50. Changing these programs
isn’t too difficult if you can use an ml monitor;
search out the 27,65,8 codes and replace with
27,1,24. Locating the code ona diskis more time-
consuming, but it can be done. BASIC programs
are considerably easier to change.

Most 24-pin printers have an IBM Proprinter
emulation mode, althoughitmay be called AGM,

Geative Phiels Ltd. Presents
A Htyfleas U6. Production

Alternate Graphics Mode, or something equally
clear. Some (most notably Epson) do not have
this mode. This mode is usually set with a DIP
switch, though some printers may allow callingit
with escape codes. If you want the most
compatibility with existing Commodore graphics
programs then make sure the printer has IBM
Proprinter emulation.

InkJet Printers are similar to 24-pin printersin
their 8-pin emulation modes for graphics, but
there are wide variations in quality. I tried an
Epson Stylus-80¢ ing AGM
mode, it had the worst 8: -pin (emulation) output
I've ever seen. It went back! I'm presently using a
Canon BJ-200e which I'm quite happy with, Its
8-pin emulation is ED NT, and it has both
Epson LQand IBM Proprinter modes (including
AGM OFF/ON). Inits IBM emulation the printer
uses forty ofit’s 64 nozzles, assigning fivevertically
per screen pixel instead of the 2-3 arrangement
used in 24-pin printers. Since the dots are Y360",
this gives true 72 dpi vertical resolution. In Epson
LQ emulation it uses 48 nozzles in groups of six
for 60 dpi vertically.

What about using true 24-pin mode? In this
mode every pixel on the screen would relate to
one printer pin. This mode would give the very

and, besides la

best resolution. It would also require massive
amounts of memory; a full hi-res screen (8000
bytes) would print out about the size ofa postage
stamp. Multiply thatout by the number of screens
that would be needed to do a full page and you
start to get the idea, | don’t know of any
Commodore programs that can accommodate
that fully, although CMD's Perfect Print for
geoWritedoes perform something similartowhat
would be called ‘scaling’ of fonts to achieve
maximum printer resolution with text (it also
prints graphics at maximum resolution, but this
requires ‘best guess’ interpolation which isnotas
accurate), CMD's hardware does make it a
possibility for developers to create new software
that could take better advantage of 24 pin printer
resolution (no FGM rumors please—I am not
working on such a thing).

I hope this has shed a brighter light on using
24-pin printers. Ifanyone else hasinformation to
share about using 24-pin printers with
Commodore machines Idlike to hearit,as would
Commodore World. If you have questions I'll try
and answer them if you give me a call at FGM
(503-496-2234—evenings are best),

~ Ron C, Hackley
«€)

Creative Pixels Presents

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PREHISTORIC MAN

ewtth your hast, Salisbury Smythe, of Public Hetwork Televison
COMMODORE 64/128 IN 64 MODE

A new Public Network
Television documentary
describes a typical day in
the life of a prehistoric
man! Collect bones, save
your mate, dodge dinos,
and find diamonds as
you spend your day as a

Odysseus bad been kinapped and placed doder a spell by
00 cull 00d powerfol wizard. lo order to save Odysseus,
Cre was Lansformed Into Pegasus, the fiylog borsel
THE WINGS OF (IRE Is 0 pew action/adventure game for

Commodore 64,
‘Gd nmete sont. Bale sors, ene: ao? caveman!
andi em be sels Pegtos an Dts!
powedl co; o Send check rd
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Volume 1, Number 3 15 COMMODORE WORLD

Just For Starters

by Stove Vander Ark

<7,

DISK DRIVE AND FILE NAME BASICS

Thisis the third installment of this column, and
as promised I'm going to talk about disk dri
But before I do that, let me recap what we've
talked about so far. If you haven't read the
previous two columns, you might want to think
about back issues. (The editor will love that little
plug there. And as stated in the Ferengi’s 33rd
Rule of Acquisition: It never hurts to suck up to
the boss.)

I started things out two issues ago with the
comment that a computer talks all the time. In
that column we discussed the fact that your
Commodore computer needs to be able to send
ges back and forth between its own
sor and the various peripherals you attach
toit, including the monitor (that's how the image
gets on the screen), the keyboard (which is how
the computer hears what you have to tell it), and
the disk drives. We talked about howa computer
needs to be able to talk to and listen to these
various devices in order to do anything at all.

Inthe last issue we talked about a specific type
of talking the computer does: error messages.
‘These are the words that appear on the sereen
sometimes when something doesn't go quite
right. | listed a short program that you could
type in to read the error message on a disk drive,

Se

whichisone ofthe most important devices you'll
be hooking up to your computer.

And it was at that point that | promised to
spend a little time this issue talking about the
disk drive itself. It is, as I just mentioned, a very
important piece ofequipment. You can run your
computer withoutit, that’s true, and it’s possible

that some of you may be doinge

actly that; even
$0, it’s likely that you'll get one sometime soon.

Volume 1, Number 3

Both the disk drive and the device it more or

less replaced, the tape drive, are pieces of

equipment designed to store information semi-

permanently and provide that information to
your computer when it asks for it. That may
mean alist of instructions telling your computer
how to, say, act like a word processor. Such a list
of instructions is called a program, and it isa very
important kind of information for a computer.
Withouta m torun, acomputer would sit
therelike last year’s fruit cake, worthlessly taking
up space. There is another kind of information
which these devices commonly store, what you
might call documents or data. This is the
information you create yourself when you work

witha word processor or database or some other

program.
Here’san example of how this works. Let's say
you wanted to write a letter using your computer.

You have it all hooked up (check out last issue for
some hints along those lines) and have a disk
that says that it has a word processor program

16

means that the disk

on it. Tha as recorded on
it the series of instructions which tell the
computer how to act like a word processor—
things like reading the letters you type on the
keyboard and placing them on the screen. If you
havea tape drive, those same instructions will be
recorded on the tape. So you put the disk into the
disk drive or the tape into the tape drive and use
the load command we talked about two issues
go. In order to tell the computer what
information to get from the disk or tape, of
course, you'll need to know what name that
information was stored under.

Let's stop right there a minute and talk about
that name business. Each individual collection
of information, whether that be a set of
instructions (a program) or a set of data, has to
be identified somehow for the computer to be
able to find it, In the case of the Commodore,
each such collection of information, often
referred to generically as a file, is allowed a
filename of up to sixteen letters, numbers
spaces, That's the filename you use in the load
nd you have to type it exactly for the
computer to know which file you mean,

Youcan usually find the filename youneed by
checking the documentation that came with the
disk or tape, but that isn'talways possible. There
is a way to check the names of all the files on a
disk (but not for a tape). You can type in a
command that tells the computer to find the
directory ofthe disk. Atthe cursoryou type LOAD
“$",8.and press RETURN. That's a dollar sign in
quotation marks, The disk drive will whir after
which the ready message will come back. Then
type LIST and RETURN to see alist of all the files

or

command

COMMODORE WORLD

« FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING YOU
ARE THINKING OF DOING WITHA

COMPUTER,

on the disk. If the list is too long to fit and the
sereen scrolls past too fast, hold down the
CONTROL key and it will slow down, You can
stop the list at any time by pressing RUN/STOP.
Ifyou want to see the list again, type LIST again
and press RETURN.

Getting back to our example, you type in a
command for the computer to look for the
program you want, identifying that program by
name. The computer then asks the disk drive or
tape drive to find that file and send it over to the
computer. You'll see a message on the screen
telling you that the computer is looking for the
file, then (assuming the file is actually on that
disk and that you typed the name correctly)
you'll see another message telling you that the
information you requested is being loaded into
the computer. These are all example of the
computer talking to you, just like we discussed in
this column in the first issue. Once the program
isloaded into the computer, all that’s left for you
to do is to tell the computer to start doing the
instructions; the command for that is RUN,

ESSENTIAL.”

followed by a RETURN. It’s possible that the
program might even be written to start itself,
which

So far, then, we've loaded a program into the

last step.

aves you tha

computer and told it to start running. That
informationis stored in a section ofthecomputer
called RAM, which stands for Random Access
Memory. RAM is open storage spi
program will fill with instructions;
the program puts da
about it for a minute.
processor, you're going to be creating data, a
collection of information. You're going to be
creating a specific string

ce which a
where
Think

As you use that word

as you create it.

f letters, spaces, and
punctuation marks that when put together in a
row are the text of the letter you are writing. As
yas you're srorklhg on the letter, the word

want tosave that data so you can call for it
Unfortunately, you can't sa
information in RAM because the minute you
turn your computer off, RAM goes blank. It’s

later.

Disk Drives for your Commodore 64 and 128

There are really two types of disk
drives for the Commodore, the type
that handle the larger 5-1/4 inch disks
and those that take the smaller 3-1/2
inch disks.

Since almost all Commodore
software comes only on the larger
disks, a drive that handles the 5-1/4
inch disks is a must. As an add-on
peripheral, one of the other type of
drives can be very helpful. Since only
the FD Series drives are still being
manufactured, you may have to check
the want ads or your local user group
for a used drive.

Commodore 1541 or 1541-11
This is the basic Commodore drive. It
handles 5-1/4 inch disks but will read
orwrite to one side only. Since virtually
allsoftware forthe Commodore comes
on single-sided 5-1/4 inch disks, this
drive is sure to work for you.

Volume 1, Number 3

Commodore 1571

The next step up from the 1541, so to
speak, this drive also takes the 5-1/4
inch disks. The big difference here is
that the 1571 can read and write to
both sides ofa disk. Itcan be used with
both single- and double-sided disks,
which means that it can hold twice as
much data.

Commodore 1581

This is the Commodore drive for 3-1/2
inch disks. Each disk holds a lot more
information than the 1541 or 1571.

CMD FD Series Drives

These disk drives have recently been
released by Creative Micro Designs.
They take 3-1/2 inch disks, justlike the
1581, but unlike the 1581 will read and
write to the higher capacity disks, such
as HD (High Density) and ED
(Enhanced Density) disks.

17

A DISK DRIVE IS

kind of like showing a number on a basketball
scoreboard by lighting up only certain bulbs in
anarray of bulbs. As long as the power is on, you
can show a number up there and keep it
But the minute you cut the power to the display,
the number disappears. That's what happens to
anything stored in RAM when you shut down
your computer,

Well, if you can't store the data inside the
computer, where can you store it? The answeris,
of course, on a disk or tape. You have to giv

sible.

command (and the word processor will have a
way for you to do this) for the computer to send
your data back to the disk drive or the tape drive,
where it will be stored away. It will very likely
become a separate file on the disk or tape, so
you'll probably beasked to givea filename for it.
Once you've done this and left your program,
you'll see your new file if you list the directory
again.

Now what does this all have to do with disk
drives? I did say way back at the top of the page
that disk drives were our topic for this issue.
From theexample just gave, itsoundslikea tape
drive would work just fine, all except for that
directory thi ctly the point, and
exactly why I said that a disk drive was the most
important peripheral you'll have. You see, every
am you run on your Commodore, with the
exception of those few thatareon cartridges, will
need to come into your computer from
somewhere, and since there are virtually no
programs available on tape, you will have to
havea disk drive. Once youstart usinga program,
rusia) a productivity one like a word
ace to store the
data you create. A tape drive will work for this,
but very slowly and not very reliably. Again, for
all practical purposes, you will need a disk drive.
In other words, for just about anything you are

g. But thatise:

prog

thinking of doing witha computer, adisk driveis
essential. Ifyou don't already have one, or ifyou
are wondering ifyou should get a better one than
you have, check out the sidebar for a brief
description of the various types available, And

tunein nextissue for morein the continuing saga
of You And Your Commodore!

3)

COMMODORE WORLD

Foreiwn Exchange

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GEOS EGGS

Doyouremember the times whena C-64 cost you
as much as your monthly rent? Consider the
plight of the C-64 users in the former Eastern
Block countries; most of them used a C-64 only in
their dreams before the collapse of communism.
A few, very fortunate East Germans bought their
Commodores on the black market, or had them
smuggled intothecountry with friends orrelatives
from the West. You can’t imagine what they had
to pay for the privilege of owning a ‘bread box.’

The days of waiting to receive and devour the
contents ofthree month old magazinesare forever
gone. Former Ea
the advantages ofa free German market, and can
easily buy any computer they wish. Thankfully,
some have resisted the urge to blow their savings
on sleek new MS-DOS machines; indeed, many
have clung to their values, and have opted to stick
with computers that have proven themselves as
one of the all-time best values: the Commodore
64 and 128,

Germans now enjoy most of

Leaping Leipzig

Inthe beautiful German city of Leipzig, a group of
Commodore and GEOS users and experts meet
every other month to share their programming
expertise with each other, and with the entire
GEOS community. They call themselves GUSS
(pronounced goose), which is the acronym for
Geos User Software Saxon, The name seems
appropriate, as this group has laid some golden
GEOS eggs that no GEOS user should have to do
without,

GUSS’ software is distributed throughout
Europe and England by Denis Dohler who, along
with Falk Rehwagen, does most of the club's
programming. Both of these programmers speak
Englishand have translated a fairamount of their

Volume 1, Number 3

software for the English-speaking countries. The
club offers a free catalog, shipped air mail to
individuals and other groups requesting it. The
programs offered by GUSS are nor shareware;
however, they aren't expensive to buy, either.
Most of the disks they offer are chock full of
handy utilities, applications and fonts, and sell
for around $15.00 per disk. Let me give you a
brief rundown on what the GUSS offers.

The Best Of... Volume One

Fast Kernal 128 - This Kernal patch enables your
GEOS 2.0 to utilize the 1.3 MHz speed of the
128's keyboard.

Set Clock - \ short program which allows you to
et the time and date while waiting for GEOS to
finish booting.

Show Photo- \ small but effective Desk Accessory
which can be activated from the geos menu to
show the actual photo scrap.

Diskmonitor - An excellent disk monitor which
works with all disk formats, including REU’s.
Drive Info - \ Desk Accessory which shows the
information on all connected drives.

Boot Trans-An Autoexec program which transfers
selected programs to an REU during the boot
process.

Qselect- A small deskTop replacement which can
be used to open, erase, rename and print files.
Also operates on the 128 in 80 column mode.

18

LQ Font Collection One and Two
Thirty (fifteen per disk) new LQand HQ fonts for
the Perfect Print LQ system. Most of these were
designed by Denis Déhler, and range from
dingbats to borders to normal fonts. You must
have CMD's Perfect Print (known as GEOS LQin
Germany) to make use of these fonts.

NLQ Font & Print

This disk gives you the ability to write and print
documents using the language sets built into your
printer(English, German, French, Spanish, etc.).
There’sa patch program included which expands
the functions of the Epson WW (ge) NLQ driver.
This also includes 15 national COMMODORE
fonts in 10, 12 and 15 points.

GeoCOM

I've purposely saved this program by Falk
Rehwagen for last. GeoCOM isacompilersystem
which compiles source text by using BASIC
oriented commands and functions in geoWrite.
This gem is being translated into English, and is
very popular in Europe. The German magazine,
64'er, ran an extensive series of tutorials for
GeoCOM this year. GEOS programmers around
the world will want to get their hands on this one!

More To Come

GUSS is working their next ‘The Best of...’ disk,
and have a number of other projects lined up.
Write to them (and mention CW) care of:

Denis Dohler
Gorkinstr. 10
D-04347 Leipzig
Germany

%)

COMMODORE WORLD

THE MOST POWERFUL DATABASE EVER

DEVELOPED FOR THE C-64 AND C-128
Superbase 64/128

7 For years, Superbase has been the most powerful database
@ Disk Software Ky

system available for Commodore 8-bit computers. Why?

Because not only can you access its commands from
menus, but you can also create your own custom Superbase
The Programmable Database for y:
Commodore"™128

ew

Precision
Soltware

applications using the built-in programming language.
Superbase can also import and export data using standard
sequential files for easy portability with other applications.
Additionally, the C-128 version will load with, and pass
Macro commands to, the SuperScript word processor to
create a completely automated office system.

With its built-in programming language, Superbase is ideal
for custom applications such as invoicing, inventory,
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable or just about any
task you can think of. Superbase version 3.01 is available
on 5.25" or 3.5" disk formats, making it ideal for use with
CMD's FD-2000, FD-4000 and Commodore 1581 3.5" disk
drives, CMD Hard Drives and RAMLink.

So if you've been looking for a powerful, easy-to-use,
programmable database - look no further! Superbase is
back and ready to tackle the toughest job of all—keeping
you organized!

DON’T MISS THESE OTHER FINE PRODUCTS FROM THE MAKERS OF SUPERBASE

(Over 70,000 users werktwide

Superbase: The Book

The final word on Superbase programming
techniques from getting started through advanced
topics. This book is filled with a plethora of hints, tips
and practical examples. Superbase: The Book is
required reading for anyone already using Superbase
as well as those who are contemplating using this
powerful program in the future. This book is a rare
find and quantities are limited, so be sure to get your
copy today!

Superscript 64/128

SuperScript has everything you're looking for ina
professional word processor. Its menu driven
command structure is easy-to-use and eliminates
the need for complicated commands. Superscript
includes professional style editing, spell checking,
calculator, row and column arithmetic and full mail
merge facilities. The phrase glossary allows you to
store entire passages of text or Macro commands
and recall them with a key stroke.

Available from

Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
P.O, Box 646
E. Longmeadow, MA 01028

Software Hut, Inc.
313 Henderson Dr.
Sharon Hills, PA 19079

Software Support International
2700 NE Andresen St., A-10
Vancouver, WA 98661

Volume 1, Number 3

19

COMMODORE WORLD

LET

Tre

AMES

CONTINUE

Games

programs, Yet, in these twilight years of this
phenomenally popular home computer, nearly
every major game producer has moved on to
other, more lucrative platforms. Even so, there
remains a very real market for games—and
luckily, there's still a wide variety of games still
able from a number of sources.

ava

The Early Years

When the Commodore 64 was young, games
were generally produced bysmall companiesand
individual programmers who were, like us, just
getting to know the exciting capabilities of the
hot new home computer from Commodore.
Many had previously worked with the VIC-20,
and there were even some titles ported from this
little brother of the 64, But this was truly a unique
time in history when almost anyone with a little

initiative and a lot of time on their hands could

write and market a program,

A number of the early programs produced by
small companies and individuals were on tape,
just as was the case with the VIC-20; but this
changed quickly in the U.S. as Commodore 1541
disk drive prices dropped to affordable levels.
Cartridge games, too, were initially somewhat

COMMODORE WORLD

ave undoubtedly affected the shape of
the Commodore 64 market more thanany typeof

dy, Doug Cotton

popular, but only, the larger companies could
afford to produce suck games,

It quickly became apparent that gaming was
the hottest new market in home entertainment,
and small companies specializing in writing
games for the popular computers of that era
prospered and grew at an unbelievable rate.
Companies who developed games for the big
arcade machines of the time (who can forget
Pacman, Zaxxon or Missile Command?) began
porting theirgamesto computers. All thisgrowth
created a cornucopia of games on the market,
drawing more and more people into home
computer ownership. Andthe home computer of
choice, the one with the most bang for the buck,
was the Commodore 64,

The Classics

This was an era that few of us who were involved
with will forget, nor is easy to forget the games
that just kept coming. Certainly Pacman,
Kong, Dig-Dug and
ist of classics that

Defender, Frogger, Don|

Centipede belong on the
showed up on our monitors. But these were all
‘ports’; games written for arcade machines, then
rewritten to operate on the 64. Most of the best

games, however, were games written specifically
for the 64.

20

One of the most popular early games
specifically written for the 64 was Jumpman, It
was a well designed game, and combined crisp
graphics, great sound, and responsive control.
Not to mention the fact that the game itself was
just plain fun, and had so many levels that it was
nearly impossible to get bored with it.

The Zork series also comes to mind, though
these games were ported to other machines. For
thoseunfamiliar with Zork, itwasahighly popular
interactive text adventure game. Infocom, the
maker of Zork, followed it up with a couple of
sequels which eventually became known as the
Zork Trilogy. They eventually released a wide
range of interactive text adventures, including
the notable Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. If
you've never played one of these kinds of games,
you may not be familiar with what they are.
Interactive text adventures are not unlike
role-playing games, You assume the role of a
main charact dare presented with situations
which must be worked out in order to advance or
complete the game. All of this is accomplished
strictly through text—there’s no fancy arcade
graphic displays, no joystick control—just the
keyboard and you. These games can be tough,
and can really take some brain power to resolve.
In the case of the Infocom games, there's an

Issue 3

extensive set of commands that varies from one
game to the next, each including some common
commands as well as some which are specific to
the particular game. Infocom’s input parser—
the routine used to decipher what you type
part of the reason these games were so su
it intelligent enough to accept commands
embedded in other text, such as being able to
understand both “Drop the ball” and"Drop ba

Thereare other games that'd consider cla
just due to their uniquenes ace Taxi, for
mple, was probably one of the first to include

sful;

speech, and was also a lot of fun. Repton, too,
shouldbe considered to bea classic—it was by far
the best Defender-type game that I'm aware of.

The list goes on, obviously, and one could
probably write a whole book about the cl:
games, Unfortunately, our space is limited, and
we should move on to other topics.

Here Yesterday, Gone Today

While the 64 reigned supreme for years in the
game market, its edge slowly slipped away as
dedicated game machines with better graphics
and speed became available. It's quite surprising
just how long the 64 was able to hold its ground
against new innovations, though. After all, game
machines like the Atari 2600 offered the
capabilities for playing games without having to
learn how tousea computer—not that the 64 was
all that difficult to operate for the purpose of just
playing games. Yet, many people hada real phobia
when it came to computers; a condition which
still exists today to some extent. But it took
Nintendo's game machine to really break the 64's
lead in the home entertainment industry—long
after the 64 was considered an obsolete product.

How did the 64 hold on for so long? One can
only guess that it was a combination of things;
inexpensive disk-based games versus the
cartridges, the vast library of programs available
for it, and the ability to use the computer for
other purposes like word processing and such,
All of these factors certainly played a role in
placing more 64's in homes long after anyone in
the industry could have imagined.

As 16-bit game machines and computers
proliferated, the64 gamemarketdwindled.Game
makers began phasing out Commodore games as
sales declined, Many of these companies got out
quickly, liquidating vast numbers of packages
they had warehoused; others continued to offer
current products to distributors, but put aside
plans for future products. Competition in the
game machine markets was getting heavy, and
even the largest game companies couldn't afford
to split their resources to support platforms that
didn't pay back quickly on new developments.

Volume 1, Number 3

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Naturally it’s a great loss to those of us still using
the 64 tohavelittlenewsoftware being developed.
Afterall, toanyone on the ‘outside’ such armarket
would appear to be dead, But at this point we
need to take a little closer look at what we really
do have available tous, and gauge the importance
of new developments. Have you noticed that the
hotnewdevelopmentfor Nintendo's Gameboy—
being touted on televisions across the nation—is
Donkey Kong? Excuse meifl don't get tooexcited
about that. In fact, if the games | normally see
advertised on television for Super Nintendo and

a Genesis are an indication of the norm

for these machines, then our old 64 games are far
cry from being obsolete.

I should also mention that I'm fully aware ofa
few upstarts that are reportedly getting some
. Atleastone company
in Englandisalso working on portingsome ofthe
European games we'vebeen missing here. Andin
this issue there's a review of a new game from
Creative Pixels. So, while we're not being
bombarded by a flurry of new games
in past years, thers
few new titles.

But even ifwe don't consider any of these new
games, my opinion is that many of the older titles
made for the 64 are still viable today. The biggest
problem then is in obtaining many of the games
that are still around, while they're still around.
And the fact that you're reading this article in
Commodore World means that youalready have
information about some of the sources right in
your hands,

The amazing thing is just how much is still
available, Remember those liquidations 1
mentioned a few paragraphs back? Well, all that
software had to go somewhere,

new gamesready forthe 6

as we were

Il some chance ofseeinga

Where to Look

‘There are relatively few companies left who still
stock Commodore software, and in some ways
this helps cut down your search time. Most
some kind of catalog; call them and get one—
they'realmostalways free, andoften contain items
thatyou hadn't thought you were looking for but

ave

really dowant. Thereis, afterall, a vast numberof

s available from these sources.

ng through catalogs, I saw a lot of titles
that would be great additions for anyone—many
of them classics: Acrojet, Archon 2, Arctic Fox
Arkanoid, Barbarian, Bard’s Tale, Batman, Beach
Head, Beach Head 2, Beyond Zork, Black)
Blue M; ia G

gam
Brow:

Academy,
Ches
Strike Eagle,
Flight s mulator 2, Ghostbusters,

Hac

21

Hardball, Jeopardy, Jet, Jumpman Jr., Karateka,
Last Ninja, Last Ninja 2, Leaderboard Golf, One
on One Basketball, Pacman, Paperboy, Pitfall,
Predator, Predator 2, PSI 5 ‘Trading Company,
Qix, Racing Destruction Set, Raid Over Moscow,
Rambo 3, Red Storm Rising, Repton, Robocop,
rgon 3 Chess, Seven Cities of Gold, Silent
Service, Skate or Die, Skyfox, Skyfox 2, Spy vs.
Spy, Stationfall, Summer Games 2, Superman,
Tenth Frame, Test Drive, Test Drive 2, The
Amazing Spiderman, Wheel of Fortune, Where
in Time is Carmen San Diego, World Games,
Zork Trilogy.

also saw some really great prices on this stuff,

some selling as low as $3.00 each! If you're into
games, I very much recommend getting a catalog
from Software Support International. | don’t
believe I've ever seen a larger selection of
Commodore programs in a single catalog, and
their prices are great. Check into their
‘superbundles’ while you're at it; these include
several titles from a given manufacturer, all
packaged together at a bargain price. In most
cases you'll get five or six games for about $10—
about a third of the original price of one game.

ring in mind that the titles | mentioned are
small sampling of what is available in
catalogs, you should start to get the picture—
there's still a lot of great games left around.

Used Software
If you're looking for a specific title, and can't
locate it in any of the catalogs, chances are new
copies are no longer available, Some of the most
sought-after titles, like Impossible Mission and
Raid On Bungling Bay naturally sold out long
ago. To locate such titles, you'll have to use all the
resources at your disposal to search the used
market. Try calling a few of the companies such
as Software Support (SSI), Software Hut, Harvey
and Associates, Commodore Country, Computer
Bargain Store, and any others you can dig up
phone numbers for. Most of these handle used
software, and have a constantly changing
inventory. Some may even put you on ‘call’ list if
they don’t currently have what you want.
There are other routes for finding used

software, too. Yard sales, thrift shops, your local
newspaper—all are good resources to check.
fied adswon'tlist individual titles, but often
someonesellinga 64 or 128 systemwith

software, and many times they're willing to part
with some programs separately
And don't forget to check with your loc
group, BBS’s, and national networks like G
Delphi, and Compuserve. If you use your

user

nie,

resources well, it’s only a matter of time before
you find what you're looking for! $)

COMMODORE WORLD

Once upon a time, the C-64 enjoyed more game
development than any other platform—more
than Apples, PCs, TRS-80s—any of them.
Software companies routinely duplicated and
peddled their jovial Commodore 8-bit game titles
by the tens of thousands, and you could find
them stocked in abundance at many of the major
r store chains and book stores.

s over a decade later, and there's no
profit margin lefi to entice software companies to
invest in 8-bit game development, no matter how
cost efficient it is in comp

arison to the modern-

day process. You can now count on the fingers of
pies still

one hand how many software compa
Commodore game software, and maybeon
one thumb the number that are left actively
developing for the C-64. Ask for Commodore
game at a bookstore and they'll probably ask if

that’s

a new game for the Mac or the PC,

The Evolution of Computer Games
Let's pauseand reflecton how game development
has evolved, and how you, a Commodore owner,
can adapt to these changes. , thanks to the
advent of “game machines”, the computer game
industry has endured several radical and rapid
upheavals.

‘Thenewprocedurebe
to the practice when writing Commodore 8-bit
games was in vogue, Writing 8-bit code and
documentation now seems downright effortless
compared to the labor required to create today's
elaborate, role-playing, multi-platlorm games
that resideon two CD-ROMs withovera gigabyte
of executable code and enough documentation
to dwarf the Magna Charta. It’s mildly amusing
to think ofa 30K game for the 8-bitters were once
considered “large” programs,

Secondly, while game development in the8-bit

litleornosemblance

side of things has clearly waned, the interest level
in hasn't suffered a similar fate, Many folks just
like yourself continually search for games, with
no idea of what to look for or even where to begin
looking. Fortunately, a lot of potentially “f
(or at least very reasonably priced) software is
readily available in the public domain.

Volume 1, Number 3

Shopping for PD gamesis quite a bit dissimilar
to the commercial market—games aren't sold
with a booklet of documentation, there's no
packaging, and their overall quality is typically
less refined. On the plus side, there's the
occasional appea

rance of a new game, or the
resurgence of a golden oldie. The “game
developers” in this arena usually aren't college-
educated programmers earning six-figure
salaries—they're usually college-bound kids
holedupintheirbedrooms, practicing thealmost-
lost art of writing and compiling code by the light
of their Commodore 1702 composite monitors.

Finding the games these 8-bit programmers
produce is ea

—provided that you've got a
renotreferring.
tothe type ofon-line account you'd get by joining
a local BBS, either. To be truly effective in the
game of snooping out PD games, younced ac
to one of the heavy-hitters—preferably GEnie,
CompuServe, or BIX. Not to be confused with the
much ballyhooed information superhighway,
these independent networks offer well-
maintained Commodore 8-bit file and message
areas packed with freely distributable games that
are still

Without an account on any of these networks,

modemanda on-lineaccount. We’

SS

ctively downloaded.

you simply can't determine which is best from a
games standpoint. To that end, I'll list some
pointers. Fromasheer filevolumeaspec

game count can't be beat. Dating back over nine
years, the Commodore 64/128 Roundtableareas
are brimming with all manner of games,
Mastering the downloading process is a cinch,
with helpful sysops and long-time users eager to
jump in and help. Their help is inval
many of these archived files don't employ point-
and-click decompression techniques.

For fewer, but more unique, one-off games,
CompuServeis my network service ofehoice. The
Commodoreareason CompuServearen'taslively
asthoseonGEnie, but that’snot overly important
in the grand scheme of things.

Finally, there’s BIX—operated by Delphi.
Originally conceived a
BYTE magazine, this remarkable technically-

able, since

22

an on-line offshoot of

oriented network was acquired by Internet-
champ Delphi and has evolved into a BBS of near
cult status, One unique feature of BIX is its stock
of Commodore files, of which a small percentage
consists of PD games.

Naturally, I don't recommend joining any of
these networks solely for the purpose of finding
gamesto play on your Commodore—the myriad

of other services they provide makes them well
worth a little additional exploration. No matter
where your interests lie, you won't be
disappointed with what you find.

Personal Notes
While PD games for elite PCs, Macs and Amigas
are no match for their freely distributable
counterparts, Commodore 8-bit games
able in their quality to many of the
offerings. Unlike the open-ended
architecture on the 16- and 32-bit computers,
finding games that push theenvelopeoftheC-64's
capabilities is common. Although limited to 16
ome PD games forthe Commodore 8-bits
are examples of truly inventive programming.
I prefer to judge games by the level of
entertainment that they provide, So as not to
taint their usefulness, [didn’tinclude edu
PD games, whieh I'll cover separately in

are
comps

comme!

colors

ational

‘To that end, I've only included the high-action
cade and adventure games in my roundup. To
fair, the criteria used in the selection process
was download count, originality, and playability.
I've compiled a list of top 20 all-time best on my
personal list, and noted their network locations
whenever possible. As noted, in some cases you'll
find them on multiple networks.

be

’s Top-20 PD Game
Landmines: CompuServe (MINES). Pl
the keyboard, this4K BASIC game written by Jim
Butterfield comes complete with sound effects
and is a lot of fun to play. It's simple, slick, and
well-executed, with a goal of trying to move from
the board's upper-left to lower-right without
hitting a mine.

COMMODORE WORLD

Terminator 2: CompuServe (TERMIN.BIN).
Terminator 2isanother resident ofCompuServe's
Commodore Library 8 and appears as self-
dissolving archive. In this role-playing game, you
are a Terminator and John Connor
reprogrammed you to get to work clearing cities
and kicking some butt for the Resistance. You
move across the playing field destroying exo-
skeletons and other bad dudes, with a watchful
eye out for of booby-traps.

Krackout: GEnie file #7507 (KRACKOUT-PRO).
BIX file “krakout.2". Some controversy
surrounded this 46K game six or more years ago.
Messages were in abundance claiming it to be a
commercial game, and required immediate
removal from all BBSs. Apparently, GEnie didn’t
listen, since it’s still there for the taking. My
personal experiences with it left me with the
impression it's still arguably the most level-laden
Brickout-type game ever written forany platform.

Tetris 128: GE

ie file #9023 (TETRIS80.SDA).
‘TRIS.BIN). An 80-column
version of Tetris 128 by Chris Batchelor, Tetris
128 is shareware, but well worth the suggested
five-buck donation. The program features
variable well width, variable line drop, starting
levels, variable speeds, proportionate rotation,
and no-drop acceleration. There's no
accompanying music, however, Ifyou're looking
for a good Tetris-type game for the C-64, GEnie
file number 7283 (ROTATIONS.SDA) is a good
choice,

Guardians of Mercury: CompuServe
(GARDNS.BIN). You'll find this 59K 8-bit
programming extravaganza by Steve Scotland a
space mission of the first order, at least as 8-bit
offerings go. It was created with Shoot'Em Up
Construction Kitand contains 4 files: “MISSION”
(docs), “GUARDIANS” — (auto-booter),
“GUARDIANS (executable) and “EVIL”, an ad
for another game by the author.

‘Traffic 64; CompuServe (TRAFFLBIN). Found
nowhere else but on CompuServe, this 36K
almost-commercial quality archive lets you use a
joystick to control the traffic lights of London. A
unique concept, to be sure.

Megatank: GEnie file#9463 (MEGATANK.SEX).
CompuServe (ME -BIN). Megatankisa 38K
self-dissolving archive file for the C64, Your
mission, should you choose to acceptit, is to blow
up enemy tanks, Smooth-scrolling graphics and
good sound effects complete the action-packed
scene,

Volume 1, Number 3

Smurfen: GEnie file #12578 (SMURFING).
CompuServe (SMURFN.BIN). SMURFEN by
C.A.W. and M. Brandlets you, alowly Smurf, use
a joystick in port 2 to run, jump and duck. Cool.

Quest For Power: GEnie file #2900 (QUEST FOR
POWER). Quest For Power is a another golden
oldie “Dungeons and Dragons”-like adventure
game forthe C-64. Kids ofall agesnevertireofany
program that lets you create a character, explore
multiple levels, and ward off monsters. There's
the ever-present magical spells, gold, pits, chutes,
and transporters. My kind of sport.

Explore: CompuServe (EXPLOR.BIN). Jim
Butterfield’s Explore resides only on CompuServe
and isanadventure game written entirely in Basic
to originally fit in an 8K Commodore PET. While
hardlyamatch forthe sophisticationofKrackout,
xplore is a lot of fun and the author claims it’s
written for about sixth grade level. One, maybe
two objectives: don’t die and get as much cash as
you can,

Airport 128: nie file #4251 (AIRPORT-
128.LBR). Make like a cigar-chomping, over-
caffinated, non-unionized air traffic controller
with your C-128, You're up in the tower at the
world’s worst airport with sweat on your brow
and the responsibility of overseeing the take-offs
and landings of 20 planes on time and safely.
Fourlevels,emergency

andings,andbad weather
keep things, shall we say, interesting.

Xeropus!: GEnie file #1351 (XEROPUS).
CompuServe: XEROP.BIN. Xeropus! is a
n-type game for C-64. Nothing too
a joystick into port #2,
On the downside,
thescreen scroll jumpsoceasionally, usually right
in the heat of battle, What's nor technicality
when you're having this much fun?

complex het

load *X

Starfighter: GEnie file #7706 (STARFIGHTER
128). CompuServe (STARFLBIN). If you're a
C-128 80-column high-action game aficionado,
Jerry Whitfield’s Starfighter lets you vent with
just the right amount of good-time spaceship-
blasting. The 21K archive dissolves into a 111-
block fileon your disk. Hot tip: Atthe main menu
select y Data’ for hints on how to play, and
more importantly, how to survive.

Blackjack 128: GEnie file #4729 (USARTS
BLACKJACK). Warmup for your next trip to
Vegas with this80-column blackjack game. Sound
effects included.

23

Bugs: BIX (“bugs”). BIX’s Commodore 8-bit file
ys host to this C-64 arcade game from
Asits name implies, your goal is to destroy
bugs with a joystick in Port 2.

Wheel of Fortune: GEnie file #7514 (WHEEL/
FORTUN.ARC), CompuServe (WHEEL OF
FORTUNE.SDA) Appearing in a variety of
assorted flavors, this version of “Wheel” let you
bring this TV show-replica onto your C-128's 40-
column Mode. One to three players win cash and
chive includes about 30 pu There's
7 atility included, C-64
users will want to to.get the most recent version for
their computers: GEnie file #3765 (WHEEL OF
FORTUNE2.SDA).

Planetoids: e file #3302 (PLAY
Mark L. Fletcher's whiz-bang golden-oldie is still
fresh, even today. Best described as a steroids-
style, 8-directional thrust, multiple-stage, asteroid
destruction program (say that five times fast), it's
familiar to many long-time users. Sound effects
tion true to the arcade game, you attack
FOs that home in on your ship.

nie file #1200 (DAMSELS), Here it
is, sports fans—the oldest game in this roundup,
andalsothe most heavily-downloaded C-64 game
in GEnie’s vast Commodore 8-bit libraries,
DAMSELS is.
guessed it—you sa

28K archive where—yep, you
adamsel in distress, Buried
deep in the program are clues. Buried not-so-
deep in the description are the keywords: go, get,
read, listen, look, feel, examine, unlock, start,
kill, and climb. Good luck, and good hunting.

Pegasis: Genie file #7232 (PEGASIS.SDA).
CompuServe PEGASLBIN, Under either file,
Pegasis is still the 13K jousting game known as
Pegasis 64, With a joystick in hand, either one or
two players can get calloused digits quickly with
this fast-paced game.

Whirlybird: BIX (“whirlybird”). If you're ever
had a hankering to shoot down helicopters, but
didn’t like the prospects of facing jail time and
becoming just another number on Death Row,
here's just what the doctor ordered. Great fun,
kids. 9
On-Line Service Information

For more information on the service
providers mentioned in this article,
contact their representatives at:
800-848-8199

800-695-4882

100-638-9636

CIS:

COMMODORE WORLD

OMMODORE
TRIVIA

by Jim Brain

Years ago, while the newsletter editor ofa user group, I decided to fill some
empty newsletter space with Commodore Trivia, to test the group's
knowledge. After doing it fora few issues, | was soon promotedand time got
away from me. However, in 1993, I decided to renew and expand the trivia
into an ongoing effort. These resulting questions come from myself and
users just like you, all of varying skills, | have attempted to research each
question prior to submission, but | do make mistakes. My hope is that
everyone, including myse information that
the trivia creates, [have found out numerous facts about the computers and
operations of Commodore though these trivi
as well.

Thefollowing Trivia Questionsaremy gift tothe CommodoreCommunity
at large. While other parts of this magazine may not be reproduced without
the consent of Creative Micro Designs, Inc., | have decided to make the

“learns from the exchange o|

a questions,and hope youdo

trivia questions public domain. This seems best, as I feel this is something
that even I can do to give back to the Commodore community. Also, the
k only that the article remains in

questions are not all my own. ct and
and that my

rhese qu

unchanged,
contact me.
you may feel

information appears somewhere so users

ions form a contest that I run on the Internet, so

I free to contact me forall the relevant information, Ifyou douse
ard detailing where they were used. If you

have a question, please send it (with answer) as well.

them, [always welcome a pos!

- Enjoy!
Jim Brain
Brain Innovations, Inc,
2306B Hartland Road
Hartland, MI 48353
brain@mail.msen.com (Internet email address)

COMMODORE TRIVIA #2 QUESTIONS

SO0A What was the Code-Name of the Amiga while in development?

$00B What is Lord British’s Real Name (the creator of the Ultima Series)?

$00C What is the POKE location and value that will fry an early model

PET?

$00D On the Plus/4 and C-16, the VIC chip was replaced with the TED
chip. What does TED stand for?

$00E Commodore produced a daisy-wheel letter quality printer in North
America (maybe elsewhere) forthe Commodore serial bus. Na

SO0F What is the version of DOS in the 1541?

$010 What is the version of BASIC in the Plus/4 and the C-16?

$011 Whatare the nicknames of the original three custom Amiga chips?

$012 Commodore produced a 64 in a PET case. What is its name and
model number?

$013 Commodore solda 1 megabyte floppy disk drivei
the model number,

$014 What does GCR stand for?

$015 Commodoreproducedadrivetoaccompany the Plus/4 introduction

that was designed specifically forthe Plus/4.Givethemodel number,

Volume 1, Number 3

24

$016 What does SID stand for?
$017 What does the acronym KERNAL stand for?
$018 What version of DOS does the 1571 have?

Whatother two Commdore Disk Drives share the same DOS version
number as the 1571?

$019

SOLA How many files will the 1571 hold?

$01B How many files will the 1541 hold?

$01C What did Commodore make right before entering the computer

market?

$01D Commodore introduced an ill-fated 4 color plotter. Give the model

number.
SOLE Some formats of CP/M write disks using the MFM format. What
does MFM stand for?
SO1F On the Commdore 128, the user manual left three commands
undocumented. One works, and the other gives a not-implemented
Name the commands and what each one does or does not do.

Answers to these questions will appear in the
next issue of Commodore World

COMMODORE WORLD

NEW! Commodore «=» IBM MS-DOS

File Transfer Service, Now Available.
Don't have a 1571, 1581, or FD-2000 drive? We can transfer most
word processing files for you. Price starts at $20 for one disk
(includes return shipping and disk.) Please, call or write for details.

Big Blue Reader 128/64 - 4.1

Transfers word processing, text, ASCII, and Screen Code files betwe
(64/128 and IBM PC compatible 360K 5.25° and 720K 3.5" disks.
Requires 1571/1581 or FD-2000/4000 Disk Drive.

Still only $44.95
Version 4.1 upgrade, send original BBR disk plus $18.

Bible Search 3.2

Entire Old & New Testament text, plus an Exhaustive
English Concordance on 7-1541/71 disks or 4-1581 disks;
700,000+ references, Includes: C64 & C128 programs.
Incredible five (5) second look-up time, per/word, per/disk,
KdV $39 | NIV $49 | KJV & NIV $75
= Call or write for more information.

Also available Online Bible Search for |BM & Amiga!
Order by check, money order, or COD, US funds only.

«© FREE Bookrate shipping in US. No Credit Card orders.
Canada & Mexico add $4 S/H, Overseas add $10 S/H ($5 BBR)

SOGWAP Software ® (219)724-3900

115 Bellmont Road; Decatur, Indiana 46733

FOR THE c64 AND|e?
C126 IM 64 BODE)

cn

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FUN GRAPHICS MACHINE DEMO DISK THIS 1S A PREVIEW OF
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FOLLOWING DISKS REQUIRE THE FULL ay VERSTON OF FGM
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PLEASE AOD FOR SHIPPING IMDLING PER ORDER
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 503-673-2234

THE MOST AMAZING ART
OFFER EVER!

During LOADSTAR's fi

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gathered them into one huge collection: seven
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and it's yours for the incredibly low price of
$20. There are over 250 pictures in the
collection, including some that have never
been published. That's $20 total for the
greatest one-man collection of art on any
computer platform! Don't wait! These prices

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Call LOADSTAR at:
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or send $20 to:
LOADSTAR HARNED COLLECTION
P.O.Box 30008
Shreveport, LA 71130-0008
5.25-inch disks order #070425
3.5-inch disks order #070423

‘obscure ten-dollar spelling of “complete.”

Volume 1, Number 3

COMMODORE WORLD

CMD HD Series Hard Drives

‘HD-40, 42 MB (Limited Supply)..... RAMLink Base Model (0K, No RAMCard)
HD-40, 85 MB (Limited Supply) RAMLink with 1 MB RAMCard
FD-2000 (B00K and 1.6 MB) $179.95 Languages/Compilers
FD Real-Time-Clock Option $20.00 BASIC 128 Compiler (Abacus)
Box of 10, Enhanced Density Disks (3.2 MB) Bitz! 128 Compiter (Skyles)
Co

— ere
JittyOOS C64/SX-64 System Pascal 64 (Abacus)
GeoCable Compatible Print Cable
MW-350 Printer Interface (OK/8K Butter) $49.00/$60,00
Aprotek 3-Way Usor Port Expander
Aprotek Usor Port Extension Cable
CMD's 1351 Compatible Trackball ...
CMD's C-1351 Compatible SmartMouse....
‘Samsung SP-0912 9-pin Epson-comp. Printer $149.00
C-1280 Computer (C=Returb, W/JDOS) ....... $199.00
C-64/64-C Computers (CMD Returb, w/ JOOS) $75.00
1541 Disk Drives (CMD Returb,w/JOOS) «$75.00
1541-11 Disk Drive (refurb, w/Power Supply ... $109.00
C-128 Power Supply (Repairable) $45.00

$343.95
$20.00
$24.95
$14.95

$17.00
$25.00
$30.00
$30,00
$17.00
$17.00
$17.00

Tax Pertoct 64 (Free ‘94 Upgrade)

Tax Portect 128 (Free ‘94 Upgrade)

Pocket Writer 2 (64) (Digital Sol.)

Pocket Whiter 3 (64 or 128) (Digital Sol.)

Pocket Planner 2 or Pocket Filer 2(Digital Sol.)

‘SuperScript 64 (Precision)

SuperScript 128 (Precision)

Data Manager 2 (Timoworks)

‘Suborbase 64 Version 3,01 (Precision)

‘Superbase 128 Version 3.01 (Procision)

PoworPlan 64 (Abacus)

SwiftCale 64 (Timeworks)

Personal Portfolio Manager (Abacus)

Cadpak 64 (Abacus)

Cadpak 128 (Abacus)

Chartpak 64 (Abacus)

Chartpak 128 (Abacus) $25.00

1 Paint v1.5 (128, &-<col, 64K VOC) (Living Proof) $39.00

| Port v1.54 (128, so-cot, 64x voc} (Living Proof) $29.00

RUN Productivity Pak I, or il (Specity) $15.00

RUN Supor Starter Pak 1541 or 1581 $20.00

RUN Works $20.00

Telecommunications

Dialogue 128

SpeedTerm (Abacus)

‘SwiftLink RS-232 Cartridge (Up to 38.4K baud)

‘SwiftLink Modem Cable (0B9-DB25)

BOCA 2400 Baud Modem

BOCA 2400 w/SwittLink and Cable

BOCA 14.4K Baud Modem

BOCA 14.4K w/SwittLink & Cable ...

Aprotek MiniMlodem C-24 (C= ready, 2400 baud) $69.00

Aprotek Minillodem C (C= ready, 1200 baud) .... $50.00

Aprotek Modem adapter (C= to Ext. PC Modem) $20.00
lodem-PC adapter) $29.00

‘$69.00
$79.00
$65.00
$70.00
$35.00
$15.00
$20.00
$16.00
$35.00
$35.00
$16.00
$16.00
$16.00
$22.00
$25.00
$17.00

CMD Utittios
ity MON-64 (ML Monitor)

Big Blue Reader V4.10 (SOGWAP)
The Compression Kit (Mad Man)

GEOS 64 v2.0
GEOS 128 v2.0

900Cale 64 oF gooFilo 64
900Calc 128 oF gooFile 128
gooProgrammor
gooPublish

geoChart

Desk Pack Plus
FONTPACK

Intornational FONTPACK
QooBASIC

RUN GEOS Companion
RUN GEOS Powor Pak | or Il (Specily)
{gatoWay/64 or 128 (Spocity Vorsion)

Collotto Utiltios (Handy Geos Utiies)
Porfoct Print LO for GEOS (Lasor-lke output)
geoMakeBoot (Makos Bootablo copies)
geoShell V2.2 (CLI for GEOS)
Dwoezils Greatest Hits (Now ool

$12.00
$17.00
$13.00
$15.00
$10.00
«. $16.00
$16.00
$20.00
$13.00
$15.00
$13.00

$29.95 Atomino
$19.95
$49.95
$12.95
$24.95
wpLabetr26) $30.00

Ballistic
Blood Money

Chomp!

Conti in Vietnam
F-15 Strike Eagle
Project Stoaith Fighter
Laser Squad

Last Ninja It
Maintramo

GEOS Programmers Reference Guide
Hitchhikers Guide to GEOS ..
Suportaso - Tho Book

$15.00

i 5.00 Marble Madness, $13.00
Anatomy of tho 1541 $1200 Menace $15.00
C128 Computer Aidod Dosign $12.00 juavy Seal $10.00

C128 BASIC Training Guide 12.00
Commodore 64 Tricks and Tips $12.00
Basic Compiler Design for the C-64 sence $12.00
€-64 Science & Engineering ..

Cassotte Book for C-64 and Vic 20

Graphics Book for the C-64 ....

Printer Book for the C64

Ideas for Use on Your C-64

CrAD

Volume 1, Number 3

Red Storm Rising
Rings of Medusa

RUN C128 Funpak

RUN C64 Gamepak
Skate or Die

The Amazing Spider-Man
Tho President Is Missing!
Tho Three Stooges

Tie Break Tennis

Total Ectipso

Ultima V (Please Spocity)

$16.00
$16.00
$15.00
$15.00
$13.00
$15,00
$10.00
$10.00
$16.00
$10.00
$17.00

Creative Micro Designs, Inc.

P.O. Box 646
East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Info: (413) 525-0023
Fax: (413) 525-0147

26

$149.95
$229.95

now at their LOWEST

as JiffyD

Increase Speed Up to 1500% while
retaining 100% compatibility

+ Speeds up Loading, Saving, Verifying, Formatting and Reading/
Writing of Program, Sequential, User and Relative files unlike
cartridges which only speed up Loading and Saving of PRG files

* Built-in DOS Wedge plus 17 additional features including file
copier, text dump, printer toggle, and redefinable function keys
make using your computer easier and more convenient

* ROM upgrade installs easily into most computers and disk drives.
Supports C-64, 64C, SX-64, C-128, 128-D, 1541, 1541C, 1541-
11,1571, 1581 and more.

EDSeries
3.2 and 1.6 MB 3.5" Floppy Drives

The FD-2000 and FD-4000 disk drives utilize
today’s latest 3.5 inch disk drive technology.

FD-2000's support 800K (1581 style) and

1.6 MB (High Density) formats, while the

FD-4000 also offers support for the 3.2 MB (Enhanced Density)
disk format. Fast and reliable, they support 1541, 1571 and 1581
Style partitions, Native Mode partitioning and can actually read and
write 1581 disks. FD's feature built-in JiffyDOS, SWAP button and
optional Real Time Clock. High capacity, speed and compatibility
make the FD right for every application, including GEOS.

Power-Backed Expandable REU
The fastest possible form of storage,
RAMLink provides instant access to files
and retains data while your computer is
turned off. Easy to use and expandable up
to 16 MB, RAMLink utilizes the same powerful operating system
found in CMD Hard Drives, Unlike Commodore REU's which are
compatible with less than 1% of commercial software, RAMLink
supports more than 80% of the commercial titles. RAMLink also
offers built-in JiffyOOS Kernal, SWAP feature, reset button, enable/
disable switch, pass-thru port and RAM port for REU/GEORAM use.
RAMLink offers maximum speed, expandability and compatibility
with all types of software and hardware including GEOS.

|

SCSI Hard Drive for the C-64/128
HD Series Hard Drives are available in
capacities up to 1 GB, are fully partitionable,
and can emulate 1541, 1571, & 1581 disks
while Native partitions utilize MSDOS-style
subdirectories. HD's connect easily to the serial bus or parallel via
RAMLink. Includes built-in JiffyDOS, SWAP feature and RTC. HD's
offer superior compatibility with most commercial software including
BBS, Productivity and GEOS. And with new pricing, HD Series drives
offer the lowest cost per megabyte of any C64/128 storage device.

Shipping and Handling Charges

Use the chart below to match your order subtotal with your shipping zone and method.

ups | 2nd] Nest | AR
Order Subtotat _|Grouna | Oay_| Day | Hi.PR [Canada | Foreign
$001 st9%9 $00 | sac | sirco| siz00| ss00 | sts00
mome ‘oo | sow | sia00| soa | arm | soo
wows 34m | $1000 | 000 | sis00| S900 | ses00
wows samo | $1200 | e300 | stom | siamo | sas

asm | $1000] ston | s2700 | s2100 | som | sso00
ssoooosrea% | sisc0| s2000| ssaco | s27m | ses00| sss00
ir $2000 | s2500 | s1o00 | ssz0o | sssc0 | se000

{UPS C.0.D. dd $5.09 (US/PR ony)

Payment and Delivery: CMD accepts MC, Visa, Money Orders, COD and Personal
Checks. Personal Chocks are held for up to 3 weeks, Most items are stock, contact CMD
for cutrent delivery schedules. Returns tor morchandise credit only within 30 days with
prior authorizations. All prices and specitications are subject to change without notice.

COMMODORE WORLD

Need Input? It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This...

For years, Commodore set the standard with the 1351
Mouse. Sure, it was vastly superior to using the old
digital input devices like the 1350 mouse, joysticks or
imitation trackballs. But everything can be improved.
Guaranteed 100% 1351-compatible, SmartMouse and
SmartTrack do everything the C-1351 does and more!
These highly intelligent, three-button input devices
include a built-in battery-backed Real-Time Clock,
along with double-click and Turbo features for GEOS.
Plus, they come with a complete set of utilities for using
the clock in GEOS and BASIC applications. Modern
ergonomic designs make these devices smooth
operators that are a pleasure to use. So, if you're tired
of the slow, erratic movement of your current input
device, make the intelligent choice and pick up a
SmartMouse or SmartTrack today!

martMouse and SmartTrac

* Three buttons means convenience! If you're a GEOS user, the left * SmartMouse/SmartTrack utilize the same advanced technology used

button is configured as single click, the right as a handy double
click and the center button is the TURBO button, When depressed,
it doubles the speed at which the pointer moves across the screen,
Additionally, programmers can assign their own functions to all
three of the buttons.

* Unlike other third party mice or trackballs, the CMD SmartMouse
and SmartTrack trackball use the same custom gate array chip as
the Commodore C-1351 mouse. This guarantees 100% compatibility,

* Switches easily into joystick emulation mode on power-up by
holding down the right button.

in today's powerful 486 and Pentium PC's, providing you with
unparalleled accuracy and smoothness,

Built-in battery-backed Real-Time Clock automatically sets the GEOS.
clock, displays time and can be used in your own programs.
Includes utilities disk and detailed manual explaining the utilities
and programming information.

Attention Lefties! SmartMouse can be alterred for left handed use,
Don't be fooled by the old style digital "trackballs". These only
perform as well as a joystick, SmartTrack uses analog inputs for
greater accuracy.

LOADED WITH
SPECIAL FEATURES

* Freeze Feature
Lets you save most programs
to disk without copy protection
* Centronics Interface
Use a fast GEOCABLE to
print with most software
© Built-in Copier
Make fast disk and file copies
¢ Sprite Editor
Create and edit sprites
¢ ML Monitor
Examine all memory including

Tired of Fighting with Copy Protection?
Having Trouble Booting Software from a CMD Device?
Need a Back-up of Your Hard-to-Find Software?

Then It's Time To Take ACTION!

stack, I/O, & registers

* Blow-up
Make any portion of a picture
up to the full size of the
screen

THE MOST POWERFUL,

FRIENDLY AND FEATURE

PACKED UTILITY

(CARTRIDGE EVER ~

CONCEIVED! . 4

« Message Maker
Turn any captured screen or
graphic into a scrolling
message with music
PLUS...
* Infinite Lives Generator
* Screen Editor
* Printer Dump
ide Show Maker
... AND MORE!

ACTION
REPLAY
MK VI

FOR THE C64 OR C126 IN 64 MODE

Volume 1, Number 3 27 COMMODORE WORLD

HARD Tips

BUILD YOUR OWN AUDIO DIGITIZER FOR USE WITH DIGIMASTER

By Mark Fellows and Chris Brenner

The Digimaster software package (reviewed
elsewhere in this issue of Commodore World) can
edit and play 8-bit digitized sounds on a
Commodore 64 or 128. Digimaster comes with a
library ofsounds, and cana
sound samples so that the
Commodore. However, i

oconvert Amiga
n be used on your
ou want to sample
your own sounds, a hardware digitizer (audio
sampler) must be employed. Although
Digimaster will accept input from a standard
Amiga sampler, these devices are getting hard to
find and a special cable 0 required to attach
the sampler to the C-64, Asa result, we felt that it
would be helpful to present these plans for a
do-it-yourself, simple, low-cost quality sampler.

Important
This project requires some dexterity and
knowledge of proper soldering techniques. An

error made in the assembly of the audio sampler
can cause damage to your computer and/or the
sampler. In no event will Commodore World or
Creative Micro Designs be liable for any direct,
indirect, orconsequential damages resulting from
the use or misuse of the audio sampler or any of
the information given in this article.

Parts

Most of parts required for this project are readily
ble from electronics supply stores, including
fyoucannotobtain the partslocally,
' igi-Key Corporation
in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. We've included
the Digi-Key part number in the parts list below
to aid you in ordering the correct components.
The full address and phone number for Digi-Key
and other well-known mail-order parts outlets
are given in the “SOURCES” sidebar.

AUDIO DIGITIZER PARTS LIST

Schematic Digi-Key Approx.
Qty Description Key Part Number Cost/Qty
1 ADC0804 A to D conv. U1 ADCO804LCN-ND $5.00/1
1 LM358 Op-Amp U2 LM358-ND 84/1
3 = 1kQ 1/4W Res. 5% R1, R2,R3 1.0KQ 26/5
1 39kQ 1/4W Res. 5% R4 39KQ 26/5
1 33kQ 1/4W Res. 5% RS 33KQ .26/5
2 24k 1/4W Res. 5% R6, R7 24KQ 26/5
1 4.3kQ 1/4W Res. 5% R8 4.3KQ 26/5
1 9102 1/4W Res. 5% R9 910Q 26/5
1 8202 1/4W Res. 5% R10 820Q 26/5
1 682 1/4W Res. 5% R11 68Q .26/5
1 100K Potentiometer VR1 3386P-104-ND 1.07/1
2 10uF Tantilum Cap, 16V C1, C2 P2038 62/1
2 .001uF Poly Cap, 50V C3, C4 P3102-ND 48/1
1 47pf Ceramic Cap, 100V5% C5 P4845-ND -18/1
1 12/24 User Port Conn. P41 EDC305240-ND 2.14/1
1 Phono jack P2 $C1133-ND 1.23/1
1 Perfboard, 0.1"x 0.1"grid,
w/pads, min. size 2"x2.5"
(Radio Shack 276-1395) 2.19/1
Approx. total cost: $16.93
Volume 1, Number 3 28

Required Tools

You'll need the tools and supplies given in the
following list to begin this project. All should be
commonly avilable from local hobbyist stores.

15 Watt soldering iron
Rosin-c
Bus
Wire-wrap wire and strippers

Cutting pliers

Needle-nose pliers

1/4" drill (to make a hole in the perfboard for
the phono jack)

Assembly
Thefirst thing to doisto finda clean, uncluttered,
static-free work area. Once you have set up your
tools and organized the parts, you are ready to
begin. The first step is to solder the edgeboa
connector (P1) directly to the perfboard. If this is
not possible because of the type of perfboard you
are using, you will have to use wires to make the
necessary connections between the edgeboard
connector and perfboard.

Next, use the buswireand forma robust ground
plane around the perimeter of the board,

Sources

Digi-Key Corporation

P.O. Box 677

‘Thief River Falls, MN 56701-0677
1-800-344-4539

JDR Microdevices

1850 South 10th St.

San Jose, CA 95112-4108
1-800-538-5000

Mouser Electronics

12 Emery Ave

Randolph, NJ 07869-1362
1-800-346-6873

COMMODORE WORLD

AUDIO DIGITIZER SCHEMATIC

USER PORT

23945675901 2

er
ABCDEFNJIKLEMN
(View while looking into the port from the rear of the 64/128)

aKa
Ro
e100
Ce
10pF
User Port
Eagecard
Connector

connecting it to Pins 1, A, 12, and N of the e

ground plane isa must to ensure the proper, noise-free operation of this or
any other electronic circuit,

Without soldering anything in place yet, arrange the rem:
components on the perfboard so that the distance between conn
and components is kept to a minimum (see layout diagram), This will help
dio circuit and result in cleaner-sounding

reduce noise in the a

amples
later on. Once all the components are where they belong, solder them in
and then make the necessary connections by using the wir
arefully, and check your work carefully

ate exactly where it will go. You might also opt to use a
instead of an actual jack, or mount then entire project in a

phono cable
all case.

sn

rJooo0000
o[Joc cece 200 ©

o002000000000000000000
©0200000909000000000000
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oo°0

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°
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Volume 1, Number 3

29

Using the Sampler

Plug the sampler into the User Port, connect your audio source to the
sampler’s input (Phono Jack P2), and turn your computer on, If your
computer does not power up normally, or acts strangely, shut it off
immediately, remove the sampler and check your connections against the
schematic. Ifyour computer behaves normally, boot the Digimaster editor
and try samplinga sound. Follow the instructions in the Digimaster manual

and adjust your audio source and potentiometer VR1 on the sampler for
the best sound quality before you begin sampling, If you have problems
vetting any sound through the sampler, or ifthe sound quality is poor, you
need to shut down and double check the audio source and your
connectionson the sampler. [fall goes well on the other hand, youcan begin

the enjoyment of capturing your own high-quality, 8-bit digital audio

samples on your Commodore.

CW & RUN BACK ISSUES

For years RUN Magazine provided Commodore Users
with a great source of information and now CMD has
given you Commodore World. Don't let this valuable
information slip away, fill in the voids in your library now!

RMJAN92_ January/February 1992

RUN Magazine [rr March/April 1992

RMJANS8 January 1988 RMMAY92 May/June 1992

RMFEB88 February 1988 RMJUL92 July/August 1992

RMMAR88 March 1988 RMSEP92 ——_-Sep/October 1992

AMAPRaa April 1988 RMNOVS2 —_ Nov/December 1992
RMMAY88 May 1988

Commodore World
RMJUNS8S June 1988

RMJUL88 July 1988 CW1-1
RMFEB89 February 1989 CW1-2
RMMAY89 May 1989
RMJUN8S June 1989
RMJUL89 July 1989
RMAUG8S August 1989
RMSEP89 September 1989
RMOCT89 October 1989
RMSP89 —_— Special Issue 1989
RMJANSO January 1990
RMMAYSO May 1990
RMJUNSO June/July 1990
RMDEC90 December 1990

Volume 1, Number 1
Volume 1, Number 2

RUN Back Issues: Any 3 issues for
$12.00; Any 6 issues for $18.00; Any
12 issues for $24.00.

Commodore World: $4.95 each

RUN: 3 or 6 issues - U.S, $3.00,
Canada $5.00, Foreign $15.00; 12
issues U.S. $5.00; Canada $7.00;
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RMMAYS1 May/June 1991 Canada $2.00 each; Foreign $5.00

To ORDER Call 1-800-638-3263

COMMODORE WORLD

An all-new program for processing
digital sound samples on your
Commodore 64 or 128 in 64 mode,
Digimaster uses new techniques to
reproduce cight-bit digital sound
samples, previously considered
impossible on a 64/128 without
additional hardware, Eight-bit
digitized audiois sixteen times more
accurate that four-bil

ind produces
sound with less noiseand distortion.
‘The package includes an editor, a
utility to convert Amiga IFF sound
files into a Digimaster-compatible
format,
language player modules for both
64 and 128 modes, and sample
BASIC programs to demonstrate
how to use digitized sounds in your
own programs.
The Digimaster
or joystick driven, and uses an
intuitive graphical point-and-click
user interface with pull-down

relocatable machine-

ditor is mouse

menus, dialogboxes, and requesters,
This makes the operation of the
program a breeze, especially while
editing the sound files.

After the program loads, the
screen displays a menu bar across:
the top of the screen, anda “scope”
window. Thescopewindow contains
buttons for playing all or a portion
of the current sound file, A digitized
soundfileisloadedintothe program

Volume 1, Number 3

r

by selecting “Load” from the File
menu, then choosing the desired file
from the directory list. While the file
requester will display all files on the
disk, only the “df” sound files can
beloaded. After the sound file loads,
the program will display the entire
mpled waveform in the scope
window, A section of the waveform
isplay can be highlighted (or
“marked”) for use with the various
editing and sound effect tools.

The Edit menu contains six
selections, five of which are used to
manipulate portions of the sample.
The sixth selection allows you to
choose your default and “clip” file
disk drive, and selecta low pass filter
cutoff frequency, The filter control
allows you to adjust the “tone” to
remove aliasing or quantization
noise during playback, Aliasing
noise occurs when frequencies above
halfthe sampling rate are present in
the digitized sound. Quantization
noise occurs when portions of the
sound are very soft.

‘The editing functions generally
require that you highlight a portion
(orall) ofthe form. Thisisdone
by moving the pointer across the
eform while holding the mouse
or fire button down, Four buttons
on the scope window allow you to
fine-tune the beginning and end of
your highlighted range. This range
can then be copied or cut to the clip
file, erased, or mixed with a
previously saved clip, IUs also
possible to insert a previously saved
clip into the current waveform data.
The editing functions can be used to
trim silence or noise from the
beginning or end of the sound

wa’

sample, or even jumble the words of
asentence around, It’s also possible
to create new sound samples from
pieces of other samples.

The Sound/EFX menu contains
six selections. Volume changes the
volume ofa highlighted range, This
lets you create fade-in and fade-out
effects, or increase or decrease the
overall volume of the entire sample.
It's also possible to use this function
tochange the volume ofa portion of
the sample, which may be necessary
when overlaying or combining clips

Resample alters the sampling rate
of the entire sound sample; this can
beused todecrease thesizeofasound
file, and ful when
combiningclipsofsamples that were
recorded atdifferent sampling rates

Backwards will flip the marked
range of data so that it will play
backwards. While this feature has
little practical use, it can be used to
create interesting sound effects.

Loop Range will simply play the
highlighted range in a continuous
loop.

Sample Audio lets you record live
sound directly into the computer
with the help of an audio digitizer.
The manual provides some
information on obtaining and
attaching such devices. [Also note the
hardware digitizer plans elsewhere in
this issue -Ed.| Digimaster has three
sampling rates, labeled Slow,
Medium and Fast, which translate
to 8K, 10K, and 12K respectively.

All in all, the sound quality of
Digimaster competes well withsome
of the sound boards designed for
newer computers, especially at the
medium and fast sample rates. I

30

found the program's user interface
intuitive and easy to use, and best of
all, I had it up and running very
quickly.

One of the best features of
Digimaster is the ease with which
you can use the sound samples in
your own BASIC or ML. programs.
‘This raises the status of this package
from a quickly-forgotten novelty
item toa truly useful programmer's
tool. Even the novice 64 or 128
programmer should be able to
incorporate eight-bit digital sound
into his or her own programs with
the supplied routines

1 really don’t have any negative
comments about Digimaster,
although I'd like to see a few more
on-board sound effects functions
such as echo, chorusing, and
flanging. While these effects can be
accomplished manually using the
copy and paste editing functions,
it’s difficult and time consuming
getting exactly the correct delay time,
volume, and number of repeats.
Producing a simple echo effect on a
short sample required repeatedly
reducing the volume of the sample,
cutting the entire sample to a clip
file, loading the original sample, then
overlaying the clipatthe right point.
Hopefully, the author will include
such functions in a future version.

Another nice addition would be
the ability to have multiple clip files
to ease constructing sounds from a

number of different samples. These
minor shortcomings — aside,
Digimaster is sure to please and

amaze anyone interested in editing
digital sounds.

~John Serafino

COMMODORE WORLD

A Day in the Life of a Prehistoric Man

A Day in the Life ofa Prehistoric Man,

by J.C, Hilty Productions; $19.9
Creative Pixels Ltd., P.O. Box 592,
Library PA 15129.

Vreeryiry

ane uuibuuuod

A Day in the Life of a Prehistoric Man
s a brand new game for the
Commodore 64, and game players
are sure to welcome it with open
disk drives and eager jo}

Cave Man Mania

A Day in the Life is presented as a
“Public Network Television
Documentary” complete with
wise-cracking (but lovable) host
Salisbury Smythe. Smythe narrates
the documentary as you guide a
prehistoric cave man through all six
of his daily events: Bone Collecting,
Dinogoober Hunt, Save Your Mate
From the CaveApe, Escape from the
Pteranodons, Diamonds in the
Rough, anda Mammoth TrafficJam.
A few of these events will bring back
fond memories of games gone by.

Your goal is to obtain the highest
possible overall score after playing
consecutively through each of the
six primeval events. Both your game
scoreand the high score are saved to
disk after completion ofeach event,
A Dayin the Lifegives youthe option
of clearing the high score file at the
start of the game,

A practice disk is included which
allows you to play just your favorite
events or toconcentrate on themore
difficult scenarios without having to
play through the entire game.

Bone Collecting

Your first mission as a prehistoric
cave manis to collect as many bones
as you can while dodging ravenous
dinogophers. If you're a resourceful

Volume 1, Number 3

cave man and collect ten bones, a
pteranodon will join the clan of
dinogophers pursuing you,

The Bone Collecting segment
brought back memories of Pac-Man.
While the maze looks easy enough
totraverse, you'll soon discoverlooks.
can be quite deceiving.

A timer adds some difficulty to
the task of bone collecting. You'll be
e man if the timer
reaches zero before you manage to

one dead ca

collect any bones,

The toughest part of this event
was mastering the joystick. A slight
touch in any direction will move you
quite a distance. Master this and
you're on your way to building the
bone castle of your dreams!

Dinogoober Hunt
Ever wonder what inspired Jack to
climb that beanstalk’
dinogoobers, of course!

Onyourdaily excursion tothe top
of the local beanstalk, you find
yourself amidst a flock of flying
dinogoobers. Dinogoobers were
delicacy in prehistorictimes. There's
nothing like barbecued dinogoober!

?'Tohuntdown

You're equipped with eight stones
to hurl at the flying dinogoobers.
You may position yourself up and
down on the beanstalk to find a
convenient spot for throwing your
stonesatthedinogoobers, Thisevent
will put your distance judging skills
to the test.

Save Your Mate
In prehistoric times it was a

aily
oecurrence for your mate to be
kidnapped by a CaveApe. To rescue
her, you must gather three sticks of
dynamite to use against the ape. Of
d rhe

course, i
d)

notaseasyasall that

namiteislocatedintheCaveApe's
and the CaveApe will hurl
boulders at you while you try to
gather the dynamite, Since you're
tying dynamite, you must use
extreme caution not to bump into
any of the walls of the cave, One
bump, and you'll lose a life. As you
gather more dynamite the boulders

31

increase in speed.

If you loved the Donkey Kong
game, )
is one of the less challenging events

you'll love this scenario, This

inthe gamewhich providesyouwith
the chance to rack up some points to
helpyoubeat the existinghigh score.

Do you have to rescue your mat
Theansweris YES
the one that does all of the cooking

y, Remember, she's
and cleaning!

Escaping the Pteranodons
Now that you've collected your

bones, hunted down dinner, and
rescued your mate, it's time to meet
upwith the Pteranodons onceagain.
This time they're chasing you
through a forest fire, and eyein:
for their barbecue feast!

You travel through the forest by
moving the joystick left, right, or
down. Ifyoumove to theleftorright,
you'll go continuously in t
direction untilyoumove thejoy
ina different direction.
he object of this level is to travel
fifty miles, and each time you move
throughs
have tra
through an opening is difficult with
allthe Pteranodonsswarmingdown
at you. You'll be carried back five
miles if one of these flying creatures
“blops” you. While avoiding the
Pteranodons is tough enough, you

nopeningin the fores

you

veled one mile. Navigating

must also avoid the flaming walls,

I found this to be one of the
toughesteventsin the game, but like
any game, it got a lot easier with
practice,

Diamonds In The Rough

Remember the saying, “Diamonds
agirls best friend!
the old days, this saying held true. A
cave man’s mate is a bit greedier—
she demands several diamonds a

Even back in

day, No diamonds, no dinner!
Diamonds were located deep in
the prehistoric forests, and were
guarded by the fearsome looking
Tiberian Bats. Asyou travel through
the forest you must dodge the bats.
In this scenario, you are in

constant motion and can only move
up and down to avoid the bats, This
is no leisurely stroll as you are
travelling at a pretty hefty

that you blend in with the forest
behind you, and you may lose track
of your cave man at times. But it’s
either have dinner or be dinner, so
you have little choice but to tough it
out and find those diamonds!

A Mammoth Traffic Jam
It’s been quite a tough day, and it's
finally timeto mosey on home. What
areliefit would be ifyou could only
find some way around this horrible
prehistoric rush hour traffic.

Can you imagine travelling
through rush hour traffic without a
traffic light or patrolman? Or only
havingaccesstoa one lane highway?
Worse yet, you don’t have a horn.
And to top it all off, you're in the
midst of a traffic jam consisting of
wooly mammoths! What's a cave
man to do?

You move through the traffic by
moving your joystick up, down, left,
andright, butonceyou begin moving
ina direction you'll continue in that
heading until you move the joystick
ina different direction.

‘This is the last event in the game,
and is fashioned after the classic
Frogger game, | found it near
impossible to cross the lanes of
herding elephants; it helps if you
study the patterns ofthe mammoths,

A Day in the Li game
ked with tons of laughs, fun, and
Oneofthenicest featur
is that it actually contains six
entertaining games all in one
package. The bitmapped graphics
give the game a great appearance,
Theonly downfall to the entire game
are the waits encountered between
each ofthe events due to the frequent
disk hat aside, Creative
Pixels and J.C. Hilty Productions
have another hit in their hands!

- Sherry Freedline

cesses. TI

COMMODORE WORLD

Navy Seal
Cosmi

Navy Seal lives up to the rigorous
requirements of this elite Navy
Special Warfare force. The game
requires you to remember keyboard
controls, and sometimes requires
you to use both joystick and
keyboard controls at the same time.
This can be difficult, but then life as
a Navy Seal is demanding. You'll
need to remind yourself of this fact
repeatedly you attempt to
complete your assignments.
Asanew recruit you'll begin your
Navy Seal adventure with Basic
Training, which consists of four
segments: marksmanship, an
onland obstacle course,
underwater obstacle cou
climbing
completion of each phase of the
training program you receive a
rating. And, after completion of all
four segments, you'll receive an
assignment based on these
combined scores, The training
program may be repeated again to
improve your rating; this enables
youto qualify for otherassignments.
Completion of each assignment
requires you to be quick and alert,
and timing plays a huge factor.
Navy Seal is packaged with a very
attractive, well-written, cleven page
Basic Instruction Manual. Reading
this manual before starting to play
the game is a definite prerequisite,
as the manual provides you with an

an
and

and rappeling, Upon

Volume 1, Number 3

explanation of the controls and
provides necessary directions for

completing the assignments. The
Basic Instruction Manual also
provides an interesting background
piece onthe Navy Seal program, and
thecriteriaforbecomingaNavy Seal.
I found the graphies and sound
effects in the Navy
average. One of the first things to
catch my eye was the text in this
game; I found it hard to believe that
the m and game were both
produced by the same people.
Fortunately, the text is not a key
ne play—it simply

tsfrom the overallappearance

eal game to be

factor in g

detra
of the game. If you're quick with a
joystick and possess a persistent
nature, you'll enjoy the challenge of

- Sherry Freedline

The Blues Brothers
Titus; $29.95

m 8TH

lladmititrightoffthe bat: Hovethis
game! V'n not sure why, especially
since I'm really very frustrated with
it right now. | don’t think it’s just
because it's one of those addicting

1 «¥en

scoot-the-little-guy-around-the-
levels-and-collect-things-while-
bopping:-baddies games, like Mario
Brothers. | don’t usually care much
for those kinds of games—I get too
frustrated. 1 don’t think that it’s
because the gameplay is all that
spiffy; it plays pretty much

eyou'd

MINIVIEWS

expect, pretty much like other such
games. With the exception of basic
information like how many hearts
or worth what,
documentation isn’t even needed,
‘That's actually a good thing, since
the single, poorly Xeroxed
instruction sheet that came with the
game doesn’t provide much more
than that.

Maybe what | do like is the Blues
Brothers motif. Oh sure, I guess it’s
all just window dressing, and that
the little figures running around
could look like penguins or peanut
butter, and it would still play the
same... but somehow all the Blues
Brothers details help make the game
work forme. like to watch Jake grab
his hat when he jumps. It's funny to
see him wallow through the vats of
icky liquid and poke around in
various stores, alleys, vaults,
factories, and soon that makeup the
game’s different levels. His little
figure even bounces when he walks
and stops and dances a bit once ina
while, And there's plenty to dance
to. The soundtrack, featuring songs,
from the movie itself eat, full of
grungy, bluesy melodies and snare
drums. The music takes all three
voices on the Commodore, so you
don't get any other sound effects,
but that didn’t bother me at all. Ud
rather hear the music,

he graphics scroll smoothly and
are nicely detailed, although not
is the screen shots
on the box. Even so, they doa pretty
fair job of capturing the feel of the
Chicago cityscape of the film, There
are plenty of surprises, ranging from
the conventional (conveyor beltsand
lifts) to the unusual (umbrellas to
drop the hero more slowly) to the
hilarious (I won't tell you what the
birds do to you),

records are

32

I did have some trouble trying to
select which of the Blues Brothers I
wanted to play. The game box
promises simultaneous two player
action, butsince the documentation
covers every type of computer
including the Atari 800 and
something calleda CDC, I'mnotsure
they mean that you get this in the
Commodore version.

But all that is behind me. I'm
frustrated with it right now. I fell off
the antenna on the roof too many
times and now T have to start over.
Stupid bird, Maybe if I give it one
more shot...

~ Steve Vander Ark

Island of the Dragon
Creative Pixels; $19.95

The Island of the Dragon may
convince you that lands populated
with prehistoric creatures such as
Blue Dragons, Pteranodons,
‘Triceratops, Dimetrodons, and
Stegosauruses actually do exist.
You'll experience a science fiction
style adventure as a futuristic man
meets and battles with these
prehistoric creatures.

Jack Roberts and his girlfriend
Linda were flying in their aircraft
when they encountered a tropical
storm. After flying for a few hours,
the plane began to sputter as it ran
outoffuel. Fortunately, there wasan
island right below them, and Jack
managed to crash land the plane.

COMMODORE WORLD

The landing renders Jack
unconscious, and is startled upon
awakening to find himself face to
face with Wycorn the dragon.
WycorntellsJackthatan evil Wyvern
Reptilican has taken Linda to his
fort, andJacksets out torescueLinda
from this diabolical creature.

Jack must visit seven different
locations where he combats
prehistoric beasts to gain strength
and items required to venture to the
Fort of the Reptilican.

My favorite site was The Caverns
of Wyvernia where Jack is lost in a
maze of blue dragons; he must find
his way to a dragon egg.

One of the sites Jack must visit is

completely text-based, while all of

the locations are in an arcade
fashion, Jack must throw punches,
kicks, roll, and use his Swiss Army
knife to defeat the sinister creatures,
Thegame haslittlemusicorsound
effects. Game play is average as
several sites resemble previous sites
only with a different creature, Ifyou
like a challenge this game will keep
you occupied for quite some time—

T’ve yet to beat one level!
+ She

Freedline

SWAP
Titus; $29.95

It's kind of hard to describe Swap.
To say that it’s a strategy game is
certainly true, but that’s not very
helpful really. Someone told me it
was “sort of like Tetris without
moving.” While that makes thegame
sound frightfully dull, it is actually
not a bad description. It does look
likea Tetris typeof game, too, witha
playing field made up of a colorful
geometric pattern and extra colored
shapes stacked to one side. In some
ways it acts like Tetris as well; when

you get shapes of the same color

Volume 1, Number 3

adjacent to each other, they
disappear. You do this not by
dropping them here and there but
by simply swapping one shape and
its neighbor. And, like Tetris, your
goal is to clear the board.

There are some big difference:
between this game and Tetris,
differences which for me make it a
game! will play overand overagai
For starters, it is actually very
possible to clear the board one

n.

and
for all in a level, although it isn’t
required to move on toanother level,
Also, there are various helps
lable, more or less of them
depending on level. These include a
“bank” ofextrapiecesandan “undo”
button, which is a lif
tell you, My favorite help button is
the one called avalanch sit
andall the pieces you've left hanging
up on the board come dropping
down where they getasecond chance
at finding a mate. Imagine if you
could do that in Tetris!

‘The game starts you out on level

ver, let me

one, of course, although youcan save
your game and then start it up later
from whichever level you had been
at, When you've finished a level—
whichyouknowyou'vedonebecause
you've accumulated eight stars
the scoring panel—you can move
on, The computer figures out which
level you qualify for based on the
number of swaps you made (less is
better), how many times you hit the
avalanche button, how many extra
pieces you brought in from the side
of the board, and so on. During my
first game I went from level one to
level seven, forexample. As thelevels
progress, the shapes change, which
means your strategy must change;
triangular shapes swap differently
than square ones, for example, At
some levels youare given a supply of
credits (which show up as ingots on
the side of the screen) with which
you “buy” swaps. Every time a shape
vanishes, youearn credits back. You
can play until you can'taflord to buy
another swap, Other levels include a
timelimit. There area lot oflevels, at
least ninety according tothemanual.

Allinall, thisis one strategy game
you won't get tired of very quickly.

on

The documentation is excellent,
including plenty of hints and
complete instructions. There's even
a practice mode in which you can

design your own levels with various

combinations of features, The
graphics are a pleasure to look at
and the gameplay is positively
addicting. Titus has certainly found
a winner here.

- Steve Vand

Wings of Circe
Creative Pixels; $19.95

ieee

The introduction to Wings of Circe
immediately
with i'sstartling, but fitting musical

pluresyourattention

score. While viewing the story
behind the kidnapping of Odysseu
you're treated to some outstanding
bitmappedgraphicsandanimation.

Odysseus’ abduction is relayed to
Circe by a wizard, who then
transforms herinto Pegasus (a flying
horse). This is when you assume the
roleofCirce—er, Pegasus, and begin
the quest to rescue Odysseus. Clues
as to the whereabouts of Odysseus
are won only by successfully
competing in four challenging
arcade-style battles; Battle of the
Dragons, Attack of the Hawkmen,
Cavern of the Monsters, and The
Skeleton Army. A victory in all four
battles leads you to the Final Battle
where you'll come head to head with
Odysseus’ kidnapper.

The bitmapped graphics and
sprites are excellent, and the only
thing missing was music (though
therearesound effects) which would
add to the suspense of the game.

I quickly became addicted to Circe,
as I kept thinking, “Next time I'm
surelcan doit!” Which reminds me,
it's time I wrap up this review and
find out how th

33

Escape Route
Creative Pixels; $19.95

Flat Tires o

Escape Route - The Adventures of Eric
Hawthorne, Private Investigator will
have you searching for your trench
coat and magnifying glass as you
attempt to solve the case of
recovering the rare ACME diamond
for the APEX detective agency, In
three short weeks you must recover
this gem, stolen by the leeLady! You
must catch up with the leeLady who
has a 4000 mile head start through
various tasks and events,

Escape Route will take you back to
the genre of 50s and “60s B-Movies.
The
different tasks, each represented as

7

ne is comprised of seven

lashes

iconsonthemainsereen, E:
randomly oneach ofthe
press of the firebutton assigns you
the task he’s on at that time. You've
got to be quick and lucky to get the
event of your liking,

You'll encounter giggle and fear
provoking events, and other events
which will require your best fighting
and detective skills as you race to
capture the IceLady,
consist of a Piano Drop, Roulette,
Expenses, Driving, Gems, The
IceLady’s Castle, and Flat Tire.

‘Thanks to Creative Pixel’s detailed
bitmapped graphics you can't help
but become attached to Eric, The
music is delightful and addicting,
Don't be surprised if you find
yourself occasionally humming
along to the main tune.

Escape Route requires frequent
disk access, but you'll soon forget
the briefintermission when you are

These events

once again returned to the game for

more of antics,

Time is wasting, so put on your
trench coat and clean off your
magnifying glass—you've got
yourself a case to crack!
sherry Freedline

COMMODORE WORLD

SmartTrack

T hate mice, Not only do I hate the little furry
rodent kind, but I also hate computer mice.
not like I haven't tried to like either kind—my
kids had a pet mouse for awhile; its cage took up
space and it died even after proper care. For some
reason each of the Commodore 1351 mice I've
had (three of them as a matter of fact), took up
desk space and also died early deaths,

When I heard CMD planned to create a
trackball which would be compatible with
programs that were written to accommodate the
1351 mouse, I knew I'd be first in line to be
clamoring for it, Little did 1 know I'd be first to
actually have one to use and write about. Yes, |
know, it’s a little unusual writing a review about
a product that's manufactured and sold by the
same company producing the magazine. CMD
has a long history of integrity, and | won't
compromise mine or that of their magazine by
writing a sugar-coated review. I'll report my
findings, with both my likes and disli

Small But Smart
My SmartTrack arrived ina small white box with
autilities disk and a Users Guide. The trackball is
about 1x5x4 inches, quite a bit larger than the
1351 mice I've used. It’s light beige, blends in
with the rest of my Commodore equipment, and
looks natural on my desk. The ball (on the lower
left side) is medium grey and smooth, while the
surface of the whole unitis slightly textured. The
nonskid pads on the bottom keep it from sliding
around while in use, but at the same time allow it
tobe easily moved out of the way when notin use.

The SmartTrack I'm using is a prototype, and
Iwas told to keep my inquisitive nature in check
and not take it apart to see how it works, as the
circuitry in my particular unit was “tacked in.”
Letting my imagination get the best of me, I
envisioned CMD's techs in the backroom using a
bitofbubble gum hereanda piece of tape thereto
hold it all together—t can’t tell you what flavor
gum was used in this process.

Unlike the 1351 mouse, SmartTrack has three
buttonson the upperright hand side. Presumably,

Volume 1, Number 3

to use the trackball you rest your right hand on
front edge, and use the side of your thumb to
control the ball; your index, middle and third
fingers would rest on (and control) the buttons at
the top. In practice, I tend to use my index finger
to control the trackball—my thumb just doesn’t
seem to be as coordinated as my index finger.

Glancing through the manual, I found out why
they call it “smart.” The thing can tell time. My
kid’s pet mouse certainly didn’t have that talent!
Using a supplied program called Smart-Tools—
an icon-based time changing program—I was
able to check the time and date preset by CMD. 1
pointed because the battery in
k had kept the correct time and date
during shipping; thus, I really didn't need to
change anything. | decided to set the display
mode to AM/PM since it defaulted to showing
the time in 24 hour mode.

GEOS appears to be the only software currently
able of using the time and date capabilities of
SmartTrack, via an autoexec supplied on the
utilities dis e manual and disk, however,
supply very complete information, so that
programmers can utilize all the features of
SmartTrack in their software. The amount of
documentation and source code provided is
impressive—everything from using the clock
chip, to programming for either joystick or mouse
mode is included in detail. It appears that
SmartTrack and SmartMouse are identical when
it comes to programming, since both were
designed to be fully backwards-compatible with
the 1351 mouse.

SmartTracking a New Horizon

Once I glanced through the manual and learned
the basics; such as how the trackball (like the
1351 mouse) can be put into joystick emulation
modebyholdingtheright key down whileturning
the computer on. I couldn't wait to try it out. My
plan of attack included GEOS, Fun Graphics
Machine, Digimaster, Dialogue 128, Fritzterm,
QWKRR128, and any other program that came
to mind which allows for a mouse or a joystick.

34

Runpaint, supplied on the SmartTrack Utilities
disk, was added to my list. To be fair—and so I'd
havea betterexcusetoplay—I tried each program
in every possible combination of modes. | also
had anumber of gamesin mind which I felt might
be interesting to try with a trackball,

GEOS

While I'm nota heavy user of GEOS, | felt that it
would be the logical first testing choice, Since
CMD had included special drivers for the
SmartTrack, I also wanted to give both the
trackball and the software a fair test. Testing
GEOS64and 128injoystickmodewasnoproblem
at all, since I didn’t a mouse driver on my
boot disks anyway. This was probably the best
place to learn to use the trackball, since it takes
almosta different mind set in adjusting to its use,
Unlike a joystick, the trackball needs a very light
touch. Unlike a mouse, which usually requires
longer movementsacross the mouse pad to move
the pointer from side to side of the screen, the
kballrequiresa fluid (not jerky) movementto
achieve the same end. It took me some time to
learn these things, and one of my lasting
npressions from it—once | finally caught on—
is that SmartTrack is not an aerobic computing
device. One uses very little energy to move the
pointer on the screen.

In joystick mode, GEOS and SmartTrack
functioned better than I anticipated. I expected
to have problems with lining the pointer up to
items, but thisdidn’thappen. Ichanged thespeed

COMMODORE WORLD

adjustments for the joystick to full acceleration as
well as slow, and in either case SmartTrack
responded in kind. Using geoPAINT and
geoWrite, the movements and usage of the
trackball were about what I expected. I didn’t
have any problems, but it didn’t take my breath
away with its precision, either. Using GEOS with
the 1351 mouse driver supplied with S
SmartTrack responded with more precision than
it did in joystick mode.

I then copied the AutoSmartTime GEOS clock
utility to my boot disk, and rebooted using the
Smart'Track input driver supplied on the utilities
disk. The autoexec read the clock chip from the
trackball and automatically set the time and date
for me. I have another CMD device with a Real
Time Clock, and hadn’tconsidered the clock chip
in the SmartTrack a big deal until I saw this
autoexec in action. I don’t usually use my other
RTC-equipped device with GEOS, so I'd been
missing out on the benefit of having the time and
date automatically set. Since I'd be using
SmartTrack with GEOS each time I boot, I don’t
need to worry about setting the time or date with
GEOS again. This I like!

I didn't notice much difference using
SmartTrack’s GEOS input driver—until | started
taking advantage of the middle button’s “Turbo”
mode while playing Mahjong and while zipping
around the menus. Using the right button to
double click on items was also a big plus.
SmartTrack really shinedin geoPaint,as!'ve often
tried using other input devicesto simply writemy
name using various paintbrushes. Finally, I've
found an input device for geoPAINT that gives
the kind of drawing accuracy I've been looking
for! Using other input devices, such asa mouse or
. my signature would come out looking
like I had just learned to write. With SmartTrack,
because I controlled the speed of the movement
with the ball and could move the paintbrush in
very tiny, finite movements, my signature not
only came out looking like it does on paper, it
actually looked better!

While | mentioned that I'm not a big GEOS
user, [have toadmit that using SmartTrack made
GEOS a lot of fun to use. After a hard days work
(yeah, right!) testing the trackball on various other
programs, I decided to have just one more game
of Mahjong in GEOS. While testing SmartTrack
with other programs, I had changed the joystick
port the trackball was plugged into. To my
surprise(and pleasure), AutoSmartTime was nice
enough to inform me that it couldn’t find
SmartTrack when I booted GEOS. | realized
immediately that the trackball was in the wrong
port. Thismeant!I‘dhavetoturn the computer off
to change it, but I appreciated being informed of

Volume 1, Number 3

thisbefore fully booting GEOS and finding! didn’t
have control over the pointer. Knowing me, I'd
have been scratching my head wondering what 1
did wrong instead of realizing the trackball was
simply in the wrong port.

SmartTracking Other Software
Since Dialogue 128 is one of the few non-graphic
programs that support the 1351 mouse, I tested
itnext. Reading the manual, found! hadachoice
in the way I wanted to use the menus in the
program, depending on how I chose to use
Smart] . After making three different work
disks, I set out to tryall three. The first choice was
GEOS style menus, using the trackball in joysti
emulation. This had me a bit concerned about
using the trackball at all with Dialogue, as the
d painfully slow, The next try was
more successful, using GEOS style menus with
the trackball in mouse mode. The slowness of the
joystickemulation wasapparently onlya problem
with that emulation, and the pointer now moved
with ease across the screen. The third test, Amiga
style menus, proved more interesting, but took a
bit of getting used to; it required holding down
the right button until the desired option was
highlighted, then releasing the button to select
the item. After a few tries, it became quite ea

Since I'd been usinga term program, I decided
to try out QWKRR128's joystick abilities with
SmartTrack. I had tried using a joystick with this
program before but gave it up because it seemed
awkward to hold the joystick and set it down to
reply to mail. Using the trackball, however, was
as easy as using an Icontrollerjoystick, after much
trial and error. While Dialogue 128's joystick
mode was painfully slow, QWKRR128 was just
the opposite. I soon learned to use minuscule
movements on the trackball to read the mail.
Since I'd previously been using the space bar with
this program, SmartTrack was not only quieter—
it also saved wear and tear on my keyboard.

pointer mov

Graphic Programs and Games

Next I tested Runpaintin both 64 and 128 modes.
I'd never used this program before, and found it
offered a great deal for learning to use the
Smart’ In mouse mode, it offered the same
precision that had found in geoPAINT, with one
exception—it required holding down the left
button while drawing. I discovered that I could
turn Smart

ideways on my desk, press the
button with the finger of one hand, and use my
index finger to control the trackball and draw on
the screen. Try that with a mouse or joystick!
Fun Graphics Machine allowed me to use
SmartTrack in its joystick mode, but didn’t allow

me to do much in the way of drawing with it

35

except in pixel edit mode. It seemed most
beneficial in using the menus and selecting files
to load from disk.

lalso tried SmartTrack with a
in joysti
natural choice, such as in mahjong and other
solitaire style games which don't require fast
reaction. Any shoot-em-up games or other fi
action types were less than satisfactory, and I'm
not at all surprised. For these a true joystick is
really the only choice. One game, Boulder Dash,
which I hadn't played in ages, was actually very
enjoyable with SmartTrack. 1 didn't judge its
performance based on my score, but was p!
to note that my score improved on the s
and third games. It seems to me that I was
becoming more proficient in my use of the
trackball with each game.

variety of games
mode. For some games, it seemed a

Grumbles

Most of my complaints about SmartTrack are
‘ones I have about joysticks, trackballs and mice
in general. Commodore was kind enough to give
us/wo joystick ports—which is nice for two player
games. Personally, I find switching which port
the trackball is in a tedious process, made more
so, since the computer must be turned off to
avoid damaging your equipment.

For 128 owners needing the computer in 64
modeandthetrackball or mousein joystick mode,
this can be quite a sight for onlookers—turning
the computer off then on, quickly holding down
both the Commodore logo key and the right
button on the trackball.

Atruly intelligent device, I would think, would
plug into both ports at the same time and have a
switch on the device itself to switch which port is
being used. Another switch to select joystick or
mouse mode would be another plus,

Do I Like It?
Aside from these grumbles, I really can’t find
much fault with SmartTrack. It's small, fitsonmy
desk without taking up too much space, its
coloring blends with my other equipment, and it
functions better than | anticipated it would. The
price isa bit steep, but considering that it’s fully
backwards compatible with the Commodore
1351 mouse and has a built in clock chip, I think
it’s cost is justified.

I guess a true gauge of how much I like

SmartTrack would be whether 1 could easily
unplug it, box it up and send it back to CMD.
With some devices (especial

ymice and joysticks)
this would be easy, and I'd never miss the thing.
SmartTrack, however, is another story—I don’t
wish to be without it now that I have it!

- Les Songa

COMMODORE WORLD

Graphic Interpretation

by Stowe Vander Ark

>

STEVE COMES UP WITH HIS ‘MUST-HAVE’ LIST OF GEOS GOODIES

You've

ard the saying that the only things in
this life that are certain are death and taxes, My
wile has her own version of that list: death, taxes,
and the fact that there will always be one more
computer thing that I want to spend money on,
She's absolutely right. I try to fake it, try to say
things like, “Now I've really got the best
around, honey!” But she’s not fooled, She's come
to realize that in this hobby there's always
something new and excitingand powerfulcoming,
along. Something that will cost a significant
amount of cash.

‘Thisis particularly true forthe IBM compatible
and Mac. Just after the school where | teach put
thousands of dollars into a room full of Maes, the
new Power PC's came out, promising to make all
previous Macs and PC's obsolete. Just when |
finally broke down and bought an IBM
compatible for my home, a very expensive
machine with a processor called a .” they
came out with a “486"—and now Tean't run any
of the really powerful new software, There are
always amazing new versions and amazing new
programs—and they all cost amazing amounts
of money.

You might think that you're safe in the
comfortable world of Commodore and GEOS.
Allthat high powered hype and those newfangled
gadgets priced right up there with condos and
yachts aren't built forthe Commodore, But think
again, The bad news is that the wonderful world
of G can be a pretty expensive place. The
good news is that, by comparison, you can get a
lot of power for not all that much money, And
your Commodore will be able to do a lot of the

Volume 1, Number 3

things that other computer users have to take out
a second mortgage on their home to do.

If you've been reading my columns over the
years, you'll probably figure you've heard this all
before. | have written columns for other
magazines detailing what I consider to be the
ultimate GEOS system. I have talked up quite a
few products over the years, products which |
consider essential for using GEOS. But I have
changed mylistslightly, taking intoaccount some
of the newer products, so you still might want to
giveitalook. Andifyou'restill fairly newto GEOS
and want to know to what stellar heights your
system can take you for a few hundred dollars
more, this column is definitely for you,

Any serious GEOS user must be running
version 2.0. | write this column assuming that
readers are in fact using the upgraded version.
The difference is striking, The advanced features
and capabilities of the 2.0 version are well worth

36

any upgrade cost you might have to incur, But
while you're at it, you might as well upgrade to
GEOS 128. Okay, you might have toalso upgrade
toa 128 computer in the process, but I told you
this was going to cost a little money. Of course, a
128 requires an 80-column monitor as well, so
the numbers keep adding up. Before you panic,
let me reassure you that everything else | talk
about from here on in will actually work with
either the 64 or 128 versions of GEOS, 1 just
happen to love that 80-column screen, especially
for geoWrite. There is also a new desktop
publishing package in the works for GEOS which
will take advantage of the 80-column screen, and
that is one powerful piece of software you won't
want to miss out on.

Once you've upgraded to GEOS 2.0 (either
machine), you're ready to talk hardware. You
need disk drives, of course, and there are several
tochoose from, You will need to havea 5-1/4 inch
floppy drive since every GEOS software product
ailable in that format, and most aren't
available any other way, Don't get a 1541 single-
sided drive ifyou can possibly get a 1571 instead,
The 1571 gives you access to either single- or
double-sided disks, making it much more
versatile. Itis nice to havea drive that will handle
the 3-1/2inch disksas well, since they hold much
more data, The 1581 is fine, but as long as you're
spending the money you might as well get an FED.
drive from Creative Micro Designs, This powerful
new drive can use high-density floppy disks for
larger storage capacity.

Now comes the most essential piece of
equipment for GEOS next to a floppy drive: a

COMMODORE WORLD

RAM device. There are several types of RAM devices on the market, some
much better than others, but having one of them, even the lowest powered
REU, is absolutely required. Oh, GEOS will run without it, that’s true, but
not very well. Some of the most essential software, in fact, will not run
without a RAM device. So if you intend to use your G
anything other than the most basic word processing or dray
aRAM device.

‘There are basically two kinds of RAM devices for the Commodore: ones
that keep the information stored on them intact even when you shut down
your computer, and those that don’t. The latter include the Commodore
REUs and the geoRAM unit made by Geoworks itself. Th
will certainly keep your GEOS system runningat top speed. But you can do
better. The best type of RAM device for GEOS is undoubtedly the RAMLink.

The RAMLinkis a rather large box that plugs into your cartridge port. It
can be purchased without any RAM—in which case it acts as a way to
connect your existing REU to your computer and keep it powered. It can
also be purchased with RAM added. When running under
RAMLink becomes a super fast and powerful RAM disk drive a
item information like a conventional REU so GEOS runs faster.
You also include Real-Time Clock chip which will automatically set
your GEOS date and time when you boot your system, and/or a battery
backup unit which will carry your data safely through a blackout (something
IwishT had herein Michigan as the summer thunderstorm season rumbles
through).

AGEOS system with several drives anda RAMLink needsa powerful file
manager,
packag op can't handle the power of the FD drive or the
RAMLink's nativemode RAM disks, so youneed tolook elsewhere. Creative

and

re

able than the de

kTop which came with your GEOS

COLOR 64 BBS

THE COLOR 64 BBS SYSTEM, one of the most sophisticated BBS
systems for the Commodore 64 computer, has always been built to
be functional when first installed yet completely modifyable by the
SYSOP. Now we are proud to announce the release of version 8.0,
the latest form of the BBS system that is popular with both beginner
and advanced Sysops.

In its stock form Color 64 supports: 300 to 2400 BPS; up to 38,400
BPS with CMD's SwiftLink; Hayes compatible modems; Commo-
dore or compatible disk drives; CMD HD Series, Lt. Kernal and ICT
hard drives; IEEE drives; Commodore REU's up to 2 MB; CMD's
RAMLink and MORE. A minimum of 1300 blocks of disk space is
recommended as well as some form of disk drive speed enhance-
ment such as CMD's JiffyDOS, Skyles Flash Interface or fastloader.
Color 64 also features: upload and download directories; Punter and
Xmodem protocols; an advanced public message system; a full
featured message editor; built-in MC! commands for message
formatting; 40 and 80 column support; an automatic page pauser;
Commodore graphics and color; ANSI graphics and color; Built-in
terminal program with phone book; Built-in networking with net-
worked mail, public messages, and file transfers.

More information about Color 64 BBS can be obtained by contacting
the SYSOP of the Sonic Temple BBS at 410-285-0428. You can also
send GEnie mail to F.OGLE, Inet/Usenet mail to
F.OGLE@GENIE.GEIS.COM or U.S. Mail to Fred Ogle, P.O. Box
35427, Dundalk, MD 21222-7427. Send all orders via Mail.

Pricing for Color 64 Version 8.0, a four disk set with documentation:
the costis $65.00. Postage/handling charges: US Mail 3rd Class add
$2.00 (Surface), US Mail 1st class(Air) add $3.00, Priority Mail (2nd
Day) add $4.00, Express Mail (Next Day) add $15.00. U.S. funds
only, checks or money orders accepted. Canadian orders add $5.00.
Prices and features are as of 3/13/94 and are subject to change.

Volume 1, Number 3 37

Micro Designs, the ones who sell bth of those high-powered devices, have
released a file manager called Gateway which includes de'

psa still hasa few bugs connected withlarg s

y he Toacontenderst Another e
ple from James Robbins, 326 Fern Str

ne. Check out CMD’s advertisements
and the RAMLink.
And check this column in our next issue for more of What You Gotta Have
for GEOS.

ine for prices on the FD drive

%)

and (ssaciates
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COMMODORE WORLD

deo? rogrammist

By Maurice Randall

DEALING WITH GEOS PROGRAM MEMORY

Justas with any other operating system, when we
write programs for GEOS, weneed to knowwhere
to locate the programs within the computer's
memory. Generally, the place to load an
application isat thestartofthenormal application
space; this area begins at $0400 for both GEOS 64
and GEOS 128.

When GEOS 128 was developed, it was
designed to be very similar to the 64 version—
thus, much of the memory layout is the same.
Unless you're creating an application that will
require the additional memory or specific
capabilities found only in the 128, you need not
be too concerned about the differences and
additions that were made to the 128 system. In
fact, youwon'teven need to knowanythingabout
the banking scheme of the 128. For small to
moderate projects for GEOS 128, just think ofthe
computerasifitwerea 64 andsticktothememory
locations that are allowed by the 64. Just so that
you know, application programs are always
loaded into the BANK 1 RAM of the 128. The 64K
of RAM memory in BANK 1—as used by GEOS—
is laid out very similar to the entire 64K of RAM
inaC-64. Most 40-column programs will run fine
under both GEOS 64 and GEOS 128, Ina later
column we'lllearn how tomake applications that
run in both environments take advantage of the
128's 80-column mode.

Meanwhile, your program code is perfectly
safe as long as it resides completely within the
area beginning at $0400, as already mentioned,
and does not extend beyond $5FFF. You can
actually go as high as $7FFF, but with some
limitations. This area is often needed by GEOS
fora very useful system function—a background
screen. This is an area of memory where an entire

Volume 1, Number 3

copy of the foreground (visible) screen (or any
part of it) can be kept. This area of memory
begins at $6000 and consists of 8000 bytes—the
same number of bytes required to display a 40-
column hi-res screen.

By default, anything that GEOS draws to the
foreground screen is also drawn to the
background screen. By havinga copy ofthescreen,
special things can be done such as restoring the
foreground screen. This is most evident when
using a program such as geoPaint. After drawing
with any ofthe tools, you can click on the‘UNDO’
function and your most recent change will be
removed. geoPaint is actually copying the
background screen to the foreground when this
is done. So, when you draw in geoPaint, your
most recent changeis not really applied until you
make another change, at which time the
foreground screen is copied to the background
screen, thereby making your previous change
permanent.

GEOS also uses the background screen to

38

retract menus, When you pull down a menu, itis
only drawn to the foreground screen; when you
exit the menu, the area of the screen that the
menu occupied is restored from the background
screen. If your application is large enough, or ifit
needs a buffer in memory (such as a file copier
might need), you could use the area reserved for
thebackgroundscreen. Before doing so, youmnust
make sure that GEOS doesn't attempt to use the
background screen while your program is using
the background screen memory. The following
code can be used to turn the background sereen
off:

Ida #ST_WR_FORE
sta dispBufferOn

ST_WR_FORE is a GEOS constant that equals
$80; this constant is defined within the geosSym
file that you should include in any assembly that
you do (.include geosSym as shown in Issue 2).
The location for dispBufferOn is also defined
within geosSym. Before GEOS draws to either
screen, it checks the value at dispBufferOn. If
only bit 7 isset, asin this example, then GEOS will
only draw to the foreground screen. Ifyou wish to
only draw to the background screen, you may do
so. For this you would set bit 6 and leave bit 7
cleared at dispBufferOn. This could be useful for
setting up an entire screen full of data and then
displaying it all at once to the foreground screen.

As already mentioned, when your program is
first loaded, the default is to have both screens
active. Both bits 6 and 7 of dispBufferOn are set at
this time. After you have turned either screen off,
you can return both screens to active by simply
setting both bits 6 and 7. The value contained at

COMMODORE WORLD

dispBufferOn should therefore be $CO. With
geoProgrammer, the following code would do
th

Ida #(ST_WR_FORE|ST_WR_BACK)
sta dispBufferOn

Since the background screen consists of 8000
bytes, it runs from $6000 to $7F3F. Let’s assume
your program makes use of the printer. There is
an area reserved forthe printer driver. Itbegins at
$7900andendsat $7F3E, When the printer driver
is loaded, it will corrupt the lower area of the
background screen. Keep this in mind, and be
sure to turn off the background screen whenever
a printer driver is in use.

Ifthe background screenis being drawn to, the
printer driver could also become corrupted. If

thishappens, thecomputerwill, withoutadoubt,
crash. Once printing is finished, you can restore
thebackgroundscreen by copying the foreground
screen to it, and then turning the background
screen back on. Ifyou use the background screen,
you'll have to load the printer driver each time
before using it; ifyou keep the background screen
disabled at all times (very uncommon), then the
printer driver would probably need to be loaded
only once,

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With GEOS 64, the printer driver is always
loaded in from disk; GEOS 128, on the other
hand, keeps copy of the printer driver in BANK
ORAM, and restores the printer driver from this
copy. To cut down on excess disk activity, you
could make program so that it stores a backup
copy of the printer driver in an unused area of the
application memory when run under GEOS 64..
Doing something like this is entirely up to you as
the programmer, provided youhavesome unused
RAMa This is something
you would decide as you develop your program.

able for doing thi

Copying either screen, or parts thereof, from

one screen to the other is easy. To copy the
background screen tothe foreground, yousimply
define a rectangular area of the screen and then
call a GEOS Kernal routine known as
RecoverRectangle. Likewise, to copy the
would

foreground screen tothe background, y

call the ImprintRectangle routine. The following
code will restore the upper halfof the foreground
screen by copying it from the background screen:

Ida #0

sta r2b ; top of rectangle
sta rsh j left side (low byte)
sta r3H ; left side (high byte)
Ida #99

star2H ; bottom

Ida #[319

sta rab i right side (low byte)
Ida #]319

sta rau right side (high byte)

jsr RecoverRectangle

For GEOS 128 operating in 80-column mode,
this would only restore the upper left quarter of
the screen.

ery lexiblewith memory usage within

the programspace. We're not restricted to loading
our application at $0400, It can be loaded at
$1000, $5000 or wherever. In addition to this,
our program code doesn’t have to begin at the
very start. You can tell GEOS to jump to any
routine you wish after the program is loaded.

Within the header block of the file, the address
and 76 ($4E C) tell GEOS
where to jump to. You don't have to know the
ct location of your routine. Just put the name
(label) of the routine at this location in your
header file; geoLinker wil
address for you, After you've worked with GEOS

defined by bytes 75

ake care ofthe correct

for awhile, you'll realize that when working with
the memory, there really isn't a great deal to
remember.

)

r

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Volume 1, Number 3

39

COMMODORE WORLD

BASIC

STARSHIP COMBAT PART Il
NEW SHIPS, COMBAT, & SCENARIIS
LEARN ABOUT BASIC AS YOU CREATE AND PLAY

INSTINCTS

by Gene Barker

Newcomers

In BASIC Instincts we are building a large game named Starship Combat that
spans across the last five issues for this year, This is the second installment
of the series. Starship Combat is a science fiction strategy game written in
Commodore BASIC vi arship Combat, we're
developing our BASIC programming skills. Best of all, we're having fun
doing it!

Although this column is designed for beginning BASIC programmers,
experient
Combat’s advanced use of subroutines, strings, and arri

What? You don't have the first installment from the last issue. Well, go
out and grab a copy! Don’t miss out on the fun.

In the process of building

ed programmers may want to follow along and review Starship

Notes

Starship Combat isa large BASIC program. Asyou typein Starship Combat,
eit one section ata time. Read the comments for the section both in the
article avd in the BASIC text.
accomplishing, See if you can follow how the section is using its variables

ry Lo get a general idea of what the section is

(usethe handy chartsandv
BASIC statement, take a quick look at it in your BASIC manual. If you are
still confused, move on to the next section; often the next section helps
explain the previous one.

On a final note, BACKUP your work frequently, Don’t allow a massive
bolt of lightning to destroy hours of work—or your sanity!

ibledefinitions below). Ifyouseean unfamiliar

Combat

In thisissue, we'll focus on Starship Combat’s combat s
air amount of work on the game's initialization routines, Before we begin
programming, let's take a look at the game's ship types.

The Ship Type Chart contains the specifications for both the Union and
Alliance starship fleets, With a little work, this information will fit nicely
into the TYS and TY% arrays we created in the last issue. We also need to
expand the number of fields in the Active Ship List array SL)
ue (fields six through
nine). These new fields will help us track the status of a ship's shields and

ystem. We'llalso do.

a

Notice that there are four new fields since the las

superstructure, as well as the number of torpedoes remaining on board.
We can find additional information on a ship in the Active Ship List by
referencing the ship type arrays TY$ and TY% as follows:

TYS(SL%(SH,0))
TY%(SL%(SH,0),y)

Name of ship SH in the Active Ship List
Fiold (y) ship type data for ship SH in the Active Ship List

For example: TY%(SL%(2,0),6) gives us the initial number of torpedoes
carried by the third ship in the Active Ship List,

There are a number of weapons available in Starship Combat (see the
weapons charts). As you can see, we have two classes of weapons: phasers
and torpedoes. Phasers are beam weapons and are limited only by the
number of energy units you have on board. Torpedoes are projectile type
weapons. Due to their large size, starships carry only a limited number. The
at both
and require little power to launch, Alliance torpedoes.

Union torpedoes are the most advanced. They are just as eflective
longand shortrang
use a different technology. The shredders are composed of hundreds of
small projectiles which spread out as they travel, and hence do better
damage short range than long. The plasma weapons damage similarly
since they hurl wicked balls of plasma which dissipate as they travel.
Although the plasma weapons can cause heavy damage to an opponent,

Active Ship List
Ship type [0-9]
Sector number where ship is located [0-99]

SL%(SH,0)
SL%(SH.1)
SL9%(SH,2)
SL%(SH,3)
SL%(SH,4)
‘SL%(SH,5)
‘SL%(SH,6)

X Coordinate of ship's location in the current sector (0:9]
Y Coordinate of ship's location in the current sector 0-9]

Current number of movement points available

Amount of energy units remaining in the ship's reserves

Number of damage units the ship can absorb without damaging its
superstructure

SL°%(SH,7) Number of damage units that canbe absorbed by the ship's superstructure
SL%(SH.8)
SL%(SH,9)

Number of torpedoes available
Ship number (0-24) used for ID purposes

SHIP TYPE CHART

MP PwrShidSup PH TP #TP Item List ARRAY DEFINITIONS
#TYS Name — TY%(xy) (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Entry Definition
0 TYS(0)UN Scout TY%(Oy) 3 500 50 65 0 0 5 O 5S x x MP Number of movement points available per round
1 TYS(1)UN L-Dost TY%(1y) 4 750 80 100 1 0 15 0 2 6 x Power Maximum energy units the ship can retain
2 TYS(2)UN Destroy TY%(2,y) 4 850 100 140 1 1 14 0 3 4 § Shid Maximum number of damago units the ship can absorb without damaging its
3 TY$(3) UN Cruiser TY%(3,y) 6 1000200 300 2 1 24 1 3.5 6 ‘superstructure (hull)
4 TYS(4)UN Battle TY%(4y) 5 1250225 500 3 2 24 1 3 5 6 Sup — Maximum number of damage units that can be absorbed by the ship's
5 TYS(5)AL Hunter TY%(Sy) 3 480 40 50 4 3 2 0 2 x x superstructure
6 TYS(6)AL Destroy TY%(6y) 4 725 75 100 4 4 8 0 4 x x PH Phaser weapon type (using the Phaser Type Chart below)
7 TYS(7)AL Frigate TY%(7,y) 5 800 90 150 5 4 12 1 4 7 x TP Torpedo weapon type (using the Torpedo Type Chart below)
8 TYS(B)AL LCruise TY%(8y) 7 900 150 250 6 5 10 1 3°94 «5 #TP Number of torpedoes carried on board
9 TYS(9) AL HCruise TY%(9y) 6 1100200 400 6 6 10 1 3.5 x Item List List of additional items on board the ship (used in later issues)
Volume 1, Number 3 40 COMMODORE WORLD

they consume an incredible amount of energy.
The dissipation of the shredder and plasma
torpedoes is reflected by the Taper field in the
Torpedo Type Chart.

We need to create some new arrays for the
weapons. As before, we will useinteger arrays (by
using the % following the array name) to save as
much variable space as possible, In BASIC,
integers consume two bytes each and real
numbers consume five,

You'll find the appropriate array names listed
in the charts. The game's initialization routines
set up the arrays just as they are found in these

Scenarios

For enhanced game play, this issue of Starship
Combat offers four different combat scenarios,
Like the last issue, the Active Ship List array SL%
represents all of the active ships in the game. Last
time we had only one set of dat

for the ship list.
Now we have four different sets of data which
represent each of the scenarios,

# Scenario
1 The Sweep

Notes

Your small battle group is
assignedtoclearthelocalarea
of enemy vessels.

Seek out any enemy vessels
in the area and engage.

PHASER TYPE CHART
Power MP's Damage

2 Seek & Destroy

# Name PH%(Ky) (0) (1) (2)
0 LightPulse = PH%(Oy) 42 10
1 Pulse Mark! PH%(1y) 5 2 15
2 PulsoMark il PH%(2y) 8 3 25
3 Mult-Pulse = PH%(3y) 123840
4 Disruptor PH%(4y) 5 2 18
5 Disruptor-T PH%(Sy) 7 2 26
6 Phase Inducer PH%(6y) 10 3 38
TORPEDO TYPE CHART
Power MP's Taper Damage
# Name TP%(xy) (0) (1) (2) (3)
0 Stinger TP%(Oy) 1 1 i) 25
1 Harpoon = TP%(1,y) 2 2 0 50
2 Harpoon HD TP%(2y) 5 2 0 100
3 Shredder TP%(3y) 3 2 2 30
4 Shredder ll TP%(4y) 5 3 3 50
5 PlasmaLT TP%(5y) 25 4 10 160
6 Plasma XT TP%(6y) 50 5 20 400
Power — Numberof energy unitsthe weapon consumes
per use
MP'S Number of movement points required to use
this weapon
Taper Number of damage points this torpedo loses
per square of travel
Damage Number of damage points this weapon intlicts

upon its target

Volume 1, Number 3

3 The Dual A large enemy battle group
has been detectedin the area;
worthy match for your highly
decorated battle group.

The largest battle groups ever
assembled face off in all out

combat

4 Armageddon

These scenariosare represented bya collection of
DATA statements in the game's initialization
routines, Each ship inascenariois represented by
four values in a DATA statement, For example:

DATA 3,25,4,3,1,40,2,2

This statement has two ships listed in it: a ship
typeof (3)located in sector (25) at the coordinates
of (4,3) AND a ship type of (1) located in sector
(40) at the coordinates of (2,2). The DATA
statements use the value of (999) to represent the
end of a scenario’s ship list AND the value of
(1000) to represent the end ofall scenario related
DATA statements, $
routines use these values to skip scenarios.

ee if you can follow how the

Additional Information
‘The rest of the substantial changes can be found
in the process Union ship turn routine. The
routineiswell documented in the programlisting.
After you enter the changes to Starship Combat,
you'll be able to blast Alliance ships with your
new weapons, In the next issue we'll concen
on bringing the Alliance up to speed (plus a f¢
new surprises).
For your convenience, a list of the important
variable definitions is included below. The new
variables are in bold text, You'll also find
comments on the new sections of code,

IMPORTANT VARIABLES
NT Number of ship types available
UT Number of union ship types available (union ship
types must be first in the TY arrays), Used to detect
whether a ship Is from the Union or Alliance,
Number of fields in the TYS and TY% arrays

Ship type name array

TF
TYS
TY% Ship type statistics array
NP Number of phaser types
PHY% Phaser type array

TS Number of torpedo types.
‘TP% Torpedo type array

SP Scenario pointer (used to Indicate the selected
scenario)

SK Skip counter (used for skipping unwanted
scenarios)

NS Number of ships that are alive (in the Active Ship

List)

a

NU Number of Union ships that are alive (in the
Active Ship List)
SL% The Active Ship List array containing the current
status of each ship
oP
ops
SAS
OAS
NAS
SH
MP
PW

Number of options available in main menu

Array of possible command characters
Initialization string for status area

Initialization string for options area

Initialization string for notes area

Current ship in the Active Ship List

Movement points available for the currant ship
Number of energy units remaining for the current
ship

xx
xy
XZ _ Sector number for the current ship
pM
RM

X coordinate for the current ship
Y coordinate for the current ship

Amount of damage points the weapon will inflict
Required number of movement points to fire the
weapon

RP Required number of energy units to fire the
weapon

Active Ship List number of the targeted ship

Shield strength of the targeted ship

TG
ss
TL Number of torpedoes left on the firing ship

MAIN PROGRAM
(New/changed sections since the last issue)
Lines 100-199 (setup main game loop)
~ Comments now say “starship combat part
Lines 200-299 (main loop for the game)
- New checks to determine the winner of the
game
Lines 300-399 (all Mliance ships are destroyed)
- Tell player all Alliance ships have been
destroyed
~ Ask player if he/she wishes to play ag

SUBROUTINES
(New/changed sections since the last issue)
Lines 10400-10999 (game initialization routines)
Lines 10400-10499 sets up the expanded ship
type arrays TYS and TY%
Lines 10500-10599 sets up the new phaser
type array PH% and torpedo type array TP%
Lines 10600-10699 creates the strings SAS,
OAS, and NAS (same as the last issue except
relocated)

- Lines 10700-10799 get the desired scenario
from the user

~ Lines 10800-10949 sets up the expanded Active
Ship List array SL% based upon which scenario
the user selected
Lines 10950-10999 sets up the command
character array OP$ (same as the last issue
except uses a better method and is relocated)

Lines 11400-11699 (update status and map area
for current ship)

COMMODORE WORLD

~ Lines 11400-11499 no longer uses MP and has a few additional print
statements for the new fields in the Active Ship List

~ Lines 11500-11599 ship ID letter is now calculated using a new field in
the Active Ship List so that ship ID letters will not change after a ship is
destroyed

Lines 11800-11999 (kill ship)

~ updated so that it copies the new fields in the Active Ship List (fields six
through nine)

Lines 20000-24999 (process union ship turn)

Lines 20075-20199 has two new jump points for firing phasers and

torpedoes in the ON GOTO statement

Lines 20700-20799 updated to support the changes in the update status

routine; no longer uses MP and uses the new method for determining the

ship number

Lines 20900-20999 fire phasers routine (sets up variables RP, RM, DM,

and TI. for the general firing routine)

~ Lines 21000-21099 beginning of the general firing routine (checks ifthe

ship has enough movement points to fire the weapon)

~ Lines 21100-21199 get the target from the and make sure it’s in the
same sector (sets TG on success)

~ Lines 21200-21299 inflict damage on the target and if necessary kill it

~ Lines 21300-21399 update the ship's statistics to reflect the discharge of

the weapon

Lines 21400-21499 fire torpedo routine (sets up variables like the fire

phasers routine then enters the general firing routine at 1000)

Entering the Program

Before you enter the lines presented in this month’s installment, you
should load and run the CHK-LIST utility presented elsewhere in this issue.
‘The numbers that appear along the left side of the listing are the CHK-LIST.
values, Once you have CHK-LIST loaded and ready, you should load your
saved copy of Starship Combat from the last issue. This listing in this issue
only includes lines which have been added or changed. Finally, before you
start typing in the new lines from this issue, there are four lines from last
issue's version which have been deleted. You may remove these by typing
the line numbers, one by one, following each with a press of the RETURN
key. The deleted lines are:

10590
10595
10630
11425

After you've deleted these lines, type in the new and changed lines listed in
this issue, Be sure tocheck your results with CHK-LIST, and save your work
often to guard against unforeseen data loss. »)

PROGRAM LISTING

STARSHIP COMBAT

115 rem starship combat part ii

215 nu=@:fori=@tons-1:ifs1%(i,@)<utthenn
usnu+l

220 next

225 gosub11000: i=fre (0)

Volume 1, Number 3

42

STARSHIP COMBAT (cont.)

230 :
232"
233 :
300
305
310
315

ifnu=nsthen300

ifnu=@then490

sh=999:mp=0

rem=

rem all alliance ships destroyed
rem-

gosub11200

32@ print"All Alliance ships have been"
325 print"{CRSR RT}destroyed.{2 SPACES}Y
ou have won."

330 goto425

10430 nt=10:ut= heated

10435 dimty$(nt-1),ty$(nt-1,tf-1)

10440 forxi=@tont-1:readty$ (xi) :forj=Oto
tf-l:readty% (xi, j) :next:next

10445 data "UN Scout",3,500,50,65,0,0,5,
@,5,999,999
10450 data “UN
15,0,2,6,999
10455 data “UN
1,14,0,3,4,5
10460 data "UN
11,24,1,3,5,6
10465 data "UN
2,24,1,3,5,6
10470 data "AL
+@,2,999,999
10475 data “AL
+8,0,4,999,999
10480 data "AL
712,1,4,7,999
10485 data "AL
5,10,1,3,4,5
10490 data "AL
,6,10,1,3,5,999
19505 rem setup weapons list

10515 np=7:dimph%(np-1,2):rem phasers
10520 forxi=@tonp-1: forxj=Oto2

10525 : readpht(xi,xj)

10530 next :next

10535 data 4,2,10,5,2,15,8,3,25

10540 data 12,3,40,5,2,18,7,2,26

10545 data 10,3,38

10550 ts=7:dimtp%(ts-1,3):rem torpedoes
10555 forxi=@tonp-1: forxj=0to3

10560 : readtp%(xi,xj)

19565 next:next

10570 data 1,1,0,25,2,2,0,50

10575 data 5,2,0,100,3,2,2,30

10580 data 5,3,3,50,25,4,10,150

10585 data 50,5,20,400

10600 rem-

19605 rem setup string variables

19610 rem-

19615 sa$="{HOME}{5 CRSR DN){CRSR RT} (RV
S ON) {LGRY}"

10620 oa$="{HOME}{5 CRSR DN) {23 CRSR RT)
{RVS_ ON} {LGRY}"

10625 na$="{HOME}{18 CRSR DN}{CRSR RT}{R
VS OFF) {WHT}*

10700 rem-

19705 rem get scenario

10710 rem-

10715 printoa$*Select combat"

10720 printoa$"{CRSR DN}scenario:”"

10725 printoa$"{3 CRSR DN} (1)The Sweep”
10730 printoa$"{4 CRSR DN} (2)Seek&Destro

0279
@5D4

L-Dest", 4,750, 80,100,1,0,
Destroy", 4,850,100,140,1,
Cruiser", 6,1000,200,300,2

Battle",5,1250,225,500,3,

Hunter",3,480,40,50,4,3,2
Destroy",4,725,75,100,4,4
Frigate",5,800,90,150,5,4
Lcruise",7,900,150,250,6,

HCruise",6,1100,200,400,6

se

10735
10740
10745

printoa$"{5 CRSR DN}(3)The Dual"
printoa$"{6 CRSR DN} (4) Armageddon"
getxx$:ifxx$=""then10745

COMMODORE WORLD

STARSHIP COMBAT (cont.)

STARSHIP COMBAT (coni

29905 rem fire phasers
20910 rem-
20915 xt=ty%(sl%(sh,0),4)
20920 rp=ph% (xt, 0 =phs (xt,1)
20925 dm=ph%(xt,2):tl=s1%(sh,8)
21000 rem-
21005 rem check for enough mp
21010 rem-
21015 ifrm<=mpthen21100
21020 gosub11300
21025 print"Can't!"
21030 : printoa$"{2 CRSR DN}Weapon requi
res"
21035 : printoa$"{3 CRSR DN}"chr$(rm+48)
“ mp's to fire"
21040 : printoa$"{5 CRSR DN} (press a key
)*
21045 : getxx$:ifxx$=""then21045
21050 : goto20000
21100 rem-
21105 rem find the target
21110 rem-
21115 gosub11300
21120 print"Select target:"
21125 printoa$"{2 CRSR DN} (a-z)"
21130 printoa$"{4 CRSR DN} (_)Abort"
21135 getxx$:ifxx$=""then21135
21140 ifxxS="_"then20000
21145 ifxx$<"a"orxx$>"z"then21135
6FFO | 21150 xt=asc(xx$)-asc ("a")
66AA | 21155 forxi=Otons-1:ifs1%(xi,9)=xtthen21
165
1130 | 21160 next:goto21135
BFEF | 21165 tg=xi:ifxz<>sl%(tg,1)then21135
87BE | 21170 iftg<nuthen21135
84A5 | 21200 rem-
2598 | 21205 rem inflict damage
84A5 | 21210 rem-
BE9C | 21225 gosub11300
5D48 | 2123 printty$(sl%(tg,0))" is*
230F | 21235 printoa$"{CRSR DN}hit for“dm
OFC6 | 21240 printoa$"{2 CRSR DN}points of"
86CB | 21245 printoa$"{3 CRSR DN}damage."
3462 | 21250 ss=sl%(tg,6) :ifdm<=ssthens1% (tq, 6)
=ss-dm:goto21300
2026 | 21255 sl%(tg,6)=0:xt=s1%(tg,7)+ss-dm:ifx
t<@thenxt=0
B8BB | 21260 sl%(tg,7)=xt:ifxt=Othenxk=tg:gosub
11800
21300 rem-
21305 rem update tl mp pw
21310 rem-
21315 s1%(sh,8)=t1:mp=mp-rm:pw=pw-rp
21320 goto2@255
21400 rem-
21405 rem fire torpedo
21410 rem-
21415 ifs1$%(sh,8)>@then21455
21420 : gosub11300
21425 : print*"Can't!"
21430 printoa$"{2 CRSR DN}No torpedoes

6FA6 | 10750 sk=asc(xx$)-asc("1")

E85D | 10755 ifsk<@orsk>3then10745

7E5A | 10760 printoa$"{8 CRSR DN}Hold on..."

B4F7 | 10800 rem-

8361 | 10805 rem setup ship list

B4F7 | 10810 rem-

DA75 | 10815 dims1% (24,9)

77D® | 10820 ifsk=Othen10835

CBD7 | 10825 : readxt:ifxt<>999then10825

62DC | 10830 sk=sk-1:goto10820

1918 | 10835 readxt:ifxt=999thenns=sk:gotol0850

9D8A | 10840 : 51%(sk,®

AACS | 10842 to3:reads1%(sk,xi) :next

AS8CB | 10844 to7:s1%(sk,xi)=ty%(xt,xi-
4) snext

9988 | 10846 ; s1%(sk,8)=ty%(xt,6) :s1(sk,9)=sk

3E04 | 10848 : sk=sk+1:goto10835

C826 | 10850 readxt:ifxt<>1900then10850

912B | 10852 rem scenario 1

5B59 | 10854 data 3,25,4,3,1,25,2,2,1,25,6,2

AF43 | 10856 data 5,35,4,4,5,44,4,4,5,46,4,4

53D5 | 10858 data 6,55,3,4,6,55,5,4,999

810A | 10860 rem scenario 2

C921 | 10862 data 0,43,4,4,0,53,4,4,0,63,4,4

1BB9 | 10864 data 2,52,4,3,2,52,4,5

3CAE | 10866 data 5,65,3,2,5,65,4,3,5,65,4,4

@C9D | 10868 data 5,65,3,5,999

57DC | 10870 rem scenario 3

3EBB | 10872 data 2,82,1,1,2,82,7,1,3,82,3,3

ED63 | 10874 data 3,82,5,3,1,82,2,5,1,82,6,5

7819 | 10876 data 6,52,2,6,6,52,6,6,8,52,4,3

EB7F | 10878 data 7,52,3,2,7,52,5,2,6,52,4,0

EC5@ | 10880 data 999

1794 | 10882 rem scenario 4

990A | 10884 data 2,64,4,9,1,63,9,7,1,64,9,7

9O9F | 10886 data 3,64,2,6,3,64,6,6,4,64,4,4

ABEO | 10888 data 2,64,1,2,2,64,7,2,2,64,2,0

2C6E | 10890 data 2,64,6,0,1,54,4,8

32AD | 10892 data 6,44,

SE47

4C79 | 10896 data

5973 | 10898 data

96AB | 1090@ data

49AC | 10902 data

OB3D | 10950 rem-

20A2 | 10955 rem setup option ch's

DA6B | 10960 rem-

7602 | 10965 op=10:dimop$ (op-1) : forxi=@toop-1:r
eadxt:op$ (xi) =chr$ (xt) :next

D7F8 | 10970 data64,58,59,47,85,82,87,81,133,13
4

FSBA | 10975 return

5813 | 11461 print:print"{RVS ON)"spc(7);:xn=sl
%(sh,6) :gosub11700

EA76 | 11462 print:print"{RVS ON}"spco(7);:xn=sl
%(sh,7) :gosubl1700

c4rc | 11463 print:print"{RVS ON)"spe(7);:xn=sl
%(sh,8) :gosub11700

C1DE | 11465 print:print"{RVS ON} (CRSR DN} *spc(
7) ;:xn=s1%(sh,1) :gosub11700:xz=xn

3233 | 11525 poke1024+5*40+12+s1% (xi, 3) *40+s1%(
xi,2),s1%(xi,9)+193 :next

257D | 11875 : forxj=Oto9:s1%(xi-1,xj)=sl1%(xi,x
3) smext

23EE | 20110 onxigoto20200, 20300, 20400, 20500, 20
990, 20090, 20800, 20600, 20900, 21400

6606 | 20715 xt=asc(xx$)-asc("A")

BADC | 20720 forxi=@tons-1:ifs1$%(xi,9)=xtthensh
=xi:goto20730

B88C | 20725 next:goto20075

OCSF | 20900 rem-

21435 : printoa$"{3 CRSR DNjare left"
21449 : printoa$"{5 CRSR DN) (press a key
)*

21445 : getxxS$:ifxx$=""then21445

21450 : goto2000o

21455 xt=ty%(sl$(sh,0) ,5)

21460 pS (xt,@) :rm=tp% (xt, 1)

21465 dm=tp%(xt,3) :tl=s1%(sh,8)-1

21470 goto21000

Volume 1, Number 3 43 COMMODORE WORLD

ADVANCED
TECHNIQUES

by Doug Colton

Lasti
in case you didn't notice, there was an error in the listing presented in the
right-hand column on page 44—the BASIC portion of our program. Line
10 in that program had a couple of BASIC 7.0 keywords that didn’t get
untokenized properly when we processed the listing for the magazine.
Most of you who noticed the problem also probably noticed that the line
was supposed to be the same as the line 10 shown in the left-hand column
on that same page. Sorry for the error, and thanks go out to Ed Bell for
pointing this problem out to us. Here, then, is the corrected program:

and 128 modes. Also,

sue we presented a program that ran in both 6:

2 PE 4 FFTHE
(45) +PE
30 NL=PERK (

2 TFNL<>@TH
NL:GOTO3@
PHENS®
FAAD

SF

Lalso mentioned in last month's column that the program would work
well for starting a machine language program, but that it would need some
further refinements to work with a mixed BASIC/ML program that would
be jumping back into BASIC. Have you considered why it won't work
correctly for that purpose? Well, let's look at what the program does for a
moment,

First, the program checks to see what computer mode (64 or 128) it's
running in and sets some variables accordingly. It then finds the end of the
BASIC text by following the BASIC line links to the end of the prog
pokes this info into memory for use by the ‘mover’ machine code. 1
does a SYS to the mover, which moves the program up 5120 byte:
y be;

program is running in 64 mode. Hereis where the problem actua
you see, if you move the last portion of a loaded program upwards in
memory, then you're placing code into memory reserved for BASIC
variables, That means you're taking a chance of having variables overwrite
your ML at some point. This doesn’t happen to our small BASIC program,
because we're moving far enough that the few variables which we've defined
aren't going to conflict—in other words, we're doing something that isn’t
really right, but we can get away with it, But if you have a larger BASIC
program that definesa lot of variables, eventually they'll bleed into the ML.

So what needs to be done? Well, the obvious thing to dois to check to see
if you're running in 64 mode, and if so, raise the top of BASIC, With thi
though, comes the realization that all variables will be lost in the process.
Soin addition to raising the top of BASIC, wealso have to redefine any truly
important variables.

Volume 1, Number 3

44

Let’s look at doing what we need to make this work. First, we can assume
that line 50 of our program may no longer exist, at least not where it
currently is. There would be several lines like it, though, throughout your
program, if your program is a mixed BASIC/ML hybrid. So, while line 50
may not be important now, the variables used in it are bound to be
important later on. So this means we'll have to somehow maintain or re-
nd F. Now Fisprettysimpleto preserve,
since we know what itisona 64 orin 64 mode, and our new code for raising
the start of variables will only be executed ifthe machine isin 64 mode. The
variable M, defined early on, might also be needed by your program, but
again, we know it’s value for 64 mode. So X is really the only one that
presents any problems at all.

We can take one of two approaches in regaining X... we can either store
it ina safe place temporarily, or we can recalculate it, The latter has some
drawbacks, since it is more time-consuming, and there are some changes
going on that could affect the results which must be taken into account, So
it seems that the easy way out would be to simply store it away for later
recall. Since this code will operate only if in 64 mode, we can tack this in
between the present lines 42 and 50, Let's start coding:

create those variables, whichar

(PEEK (253) *256)

Now which locations do we have to change to move BASIC variable storage
up? Locations 45-46 (decimal) hold the start of BASIC variables, so these
must change. Actually, since we'll be making an even page move, we need
only change the high byte in location 46. We have to add 20 to that. We'll
also have to move the contents of 45-46 into 47-48 and 49-50, the starting
and ending pointers for BASIC arrays by performing a CLR. Here we go:

POKE46, PEEK (46) +2@:CLR

‘That was easy enough, eh? Then we finish with:

Load your copy of the program and re-save it with this new line. This will
now work for any mix of BASIC and ML. Of course, if you came up with a
better solution while you were waiting for this issue to come out, senditin,
and I'll be happy to share it with the rest of our readers.

€)

COMMODORE WORLD

USED SOFTWARE

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COMMODORE WORLD

Peripheral Vision

By Doug Cotton

ey

PART TWO IN OUR SERIES ON SCSI DEVICES AND COMMANDS

In the last issue of Commodore World, we gavea
general overview of SCSI devicesand commands,
and discussed the parameters required by the
CMD HD's “Send SCSI” command. In this
installment, we'll wadein alittle deeper, andlook
at using some specific SCSI commands with the
CMD HD.

SCSI Read

You'll find two variations of the S
commandin thelist ofSCSI command:
issue; a Group 0 command, and a Group 1

command, TheGroup L variationisknownasthe

“Extended Read’ command: address

storage devices than the Group 0 version. In our
discussion here, we'llwork exclusively with Group
1 Read and Write commands, since any hard
drive used in a CMD HD must support these.

We've reprinted the general Group 1
Command Descriptor Block (CDB) in this issue.
You'll soon learn that all commands follow the
general CDB for their command group, though
somecommands may use certain ofthecommand
parameter fields differently.

Let’s assume, for example’s sake, that we want
to read the second lowest SCSI block from the
main system drive ina CMD HD, We can use this
task to illustrate how to read a SCSI block with
the CMD HD's DOS SCSI command.

Before we can start tossing SCSI commands at
the HD, we have to open a command channel in
order to ‘talk’ to the drive. This is done in the
samemannerasit would bewithany Commodore
type disk drive:

op

EN15,12,15

I'm assuming here, of course, that you have an
HD attached as device 12 on your computer. If

Volume 1, Number 3

the device number is different, then substitute
the actual device number for the 12 in this
command.

The next step would be to send the D¢ ‘SI
command tothedrive. Thisisdone witha PRINT#
statement, but before we do this, we need to
figure out all of the parameters that will go into
this command. Let's look at the DOS SCSI
command syntax:

(de) CHRS (b2)

We already know that /fis 15, since that’s our
command channel. So the next thing we need to
know is de, which is the SCSI device number.
Since we're reading a block from the main drive
inthe CMDHD, andsincethe main drive must be
SCSI device 0, we know that de equals 0.

The next two values we need are interrelated.
These are, respectively, the low and high bytes of
the drive memory we want to use as a buffer for
SCSI device data. This bufferis where the block of
data we're going to read from the drive will be

46

placed. Once it’s in the buffer, we can access it by
doinga Memory-Read of the drive's memory. But
more on that later. For now, we just need to find
some free memory in the drive capable ofholding
st 512 bytes, which is the size of the SCSI
blocks used on the CMD HD.

The HD has 8K of free RAM available for
purposeslike this, starting at $3000, This gives us
alow address byte of $00 (decimal 0), anda high
address byte of $30 (decimal 48). So now we
know that b/ equals 0, and bh equals 48.

Now we move into the command bytes needed
for the actual SCSI command, per the Extended
Read CDB. The first byte of the CDB is the SCSI
command byte. The Read Extended command is
$25 (37 decimal), as shown in last issue's
command table, so the first value we need is 37.

The next CDB byte is a combination of the
Logical Unit Number (LUN), some reserved bits,
and the Relative Addressing (IA) bit. The LUN
on rd drive mechanism containing only a
single logical unit will, for all practical purposes,
always be zero. Reserved bits must always be
zeroes, as well. And we don't want Relative
Addressing, so the RA bit is zero, Put all those
zerobitsintoa byte, and you've got a byte value of
$0 (decimal 0). So the second value we'll need to
send is 0.

Now we move into four bytes that make up the
Logical Block Address (LBA). This is the block
number we want to read. The SCSI address of this
blockis $00000001. Yes, that’salot ofzeroes, but
if we want to work with the full addressing
ilable with extended SCSI commands, that’s
how many it takes—8 hexadecimal digits. Thisis
an easy one, though, since most of the digits are
zeroes; but you'll have to make sure you break the
address bytes up in the correct order to get the
correct from the drive.

COMMODORE WORLD

The first LBA byte we need to send is the Most Significant Byte (MSB),
ignificant Byte (LSB); so this
means we work through the address from left to right. Drawing on our

and the last one we need to send is the L
ast

knowledge ofnumberingsystems, we know that two hexadecimal re
equal to a single byte, so we take two digits at a time to create our four bytes
of LBA values: $00, $00, $00 and $01, In de 1, 0,0,0 and 1.

‘The next CDB byte is reserved, so it’s an easy one: 0. Remember, all
reserved bits should be zero,

Now we come to two CDB bytes that make up the transfer length. The

Extended Read command uses these bytes to determine how many
contiguous blocks you want to read from the device, starting at the block
indicated in the LBA bytes. We only want to read one block, so the transfer
length is $0001. Again, the MSB is indicated as the first of the two bytes, so
we read the values from left to right, using two hexadecimal digits per byte,
This gives us an MSB of $00 (decimal 0), and an LSB of $01 (decimal 1). So
our next two values are 0 and 1,

‘The last CDB byteis the Control Byte, and is made up of six reserved bits,
the Flag bit, and the Link bit. We won't be getting into using linked
commands, so all of these bits are zeroes, giving us a final value of 0.

And that’s it! So all we need to do now is string (if you'll excuse the pun)
these all together into the PRINT# statement:

On a 64, you'll find this string is too long to fit on two lines, so you'll need
to build it up ina variable or two, I'd take this approach: build the actual
“S-C” portion of the command along with the SCSI device number and
buffer location bytes into one string. Place the actual CDB data into a
second string. This way, you can vary the SCSICDB command stringas you
send different commands,

Once the command has been sent, we'll find the data from the requested
SCSI block in the buffer we defined a ‘3000 in the drive memory. This can
beexamined using the DOS Memory-Read command. Ifyou'renot familiar
with using that command, there are examples in the CMD HD User's
Manual, We'll also explore using this command along with some of the
other things we've learned in the next installment of this column.

Doin’ the Write Thing
If you've managed to follow the information on using the Extended Read
command well enough to understand it, then youalready know everything

you need to use the Extended Write command. Remember, the commands
all follow the same general CDB formats. The only things different about
using the Extended Write command are the command byte itself, and
mi
before you issue the command, Data can be placed in the bufler using the
DOS Memory-Write command. Ifwe wanted to write the block we read in
our example back to the same location on the drive, we would send:

g sure your buffer contains the data you want written to the drive

Next issue we'll ook at a couple more commonly used commands, and put
together a small program to copy SCSI blocks. We'll also discuss how to

%)

handle errors—just in case!

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2 Logical Block Address (if required) (MSB)
3 Logical Block Address (if required) re eear Ge eae “8 3 ae
4 i Logical Block Address (if required) one or es A & Hon wenenecicra
5 Logical Block Address (if required) (LSB) pe a ee HoT RETIN THICE.
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Volume 1, Number 3 47

COMMODORE WORLD

How to Type In Program Listings Appearing in
Commodore World

While Commodore World currently doesn't make it a habit of publishing
type-in programs, a number of our columns do require entering sample
routines, For this purpose, we have created our CHK-LIST utility for the
Commodore 64 and 128. This utility uses a 16-bit CRC checksum method
to verify that you have correctly entered each program line, and that each
of the characters in the program lines are in the correct order.

You'll notice that program listings appear with a column of values to the
left of the program lines. These values a sand arenot
to be entered as part of the program. A similar set of values are generated
by the CHK-LIST utility to allow you to verify that everything has been
entered correctly

Enter the CHK-LIST program from BASIC. You can use either a C-64 or
a C-128 computer, Ifyou use a C-128, it can be in either 64 or 1 mode. Be
sure to enter each line carefully to avoid mistakes—until you actually have
CHK-LIST working, finding errors in program entry won't be easy. After
you have finished entering the program, be sure to SAVE a copy to disk
before you attempt to RUN it, just in case. Ifyou aren't familiar with how to
save a program to disk, you can use the following command:

‘Touse CHK-LIST, loaditinto your computer and type RUN. Makesure that
any program youare currently working on is saved first, or start CHK-LIST.
before you begin typing in a new program. After you have CHK-LIST in
memory and running, type NEW. You may now either load or begin typing
the program you wish to have CHK-LIST check on. Whenever you want to
check your program, type in the appropriate SYS command given below:

C-64 or C-128 in 64 mode:
C-128 in 128 mode:

sYS49152
SYS4864

Note that when typing in listings, some special characters will appear in
braces. For example, (CLR/HOME) means that you should enter the Clear
key, Which is done by holding down the SHIFT key while you press the
HOME key. Other tin youm: Frconmurbezsheadofile bernaini, such
as{3 SPACES) or {5CRSRL}. This means you should press the key indicated
the number oftimes shown. Most special keys are easy to identify, since the
text shown will generally match the text on the key. Exceptionsare the space
bar {SPACE}, and cursor keys which include directions ((CRSR UP}, (CRSR
DN}, (CRSRL) and (CRSR RT). Besure to use the correct key combinations
for color keys, such as <CTRL><2> for {WHT}.

CHK-LIST

CHK-LIST (cont.)

65533) =255)

9152:IFFTHE

32 POKEM, D:M=M+1:PRINT"."; :GOTO20

4 PRINT:READCK:IFC<>CKTHENPRINT"ERROR I
N DATA STATEMENTS! ":END

50 PRINT"DONE.":
60 :
49152 DA’

133,251,165, 44,-

133,252
I 49160 DATA 36,193,-20, 169,147,
32
CD5@ | 49168 DATA 2,194,192,-19,160,0,
140
cocp | 49176 DATA 37,193,-20,177,251,133,253,20
8,3
O58 | 49184 DATA 238,37,193,-20,200,177,251,13
3,254
BHAIC | 49192 DATA 208,3,238,37,193,-20,173,
93,-20
¢ 49200 DATA 196,200,177, 251
49208 DATA 77,251,32,205,-50,18
9,-142,169
DATA 6,133,211,-236,169,61,32,210,
DATA 169,32,32,210,255,160,2,177

DATA 251,32,213,192,-19,200,177,25

49240 DATA
49248 DATA 213,192,
,191,192,-19
49. 3

3,192,-19,200,177,251,240,6

-19,76,90,192,-19,173

1, Number 3

Volume

@9264 DATA 192)+19/469)13,32) 210,255,165
49272 DATA 133,251,165,254,133, 252, 238,3
#9280 DATA 193,-20,173,36,193,-20, 201,20
ho288 DATA 76,18,192,-19, 162, 0,189,1,193

DATA 240,6,32,210,255, 232,208,245,

DATA 228,255,201,13,208,249,32
DATA 228,255,208,251,76,8,192,-19,

DATA 106,106,106,106,32,180,192,-1
DATA 32,180,192,-19,96,41,15,170,1

DATA 20,193,-20, 32,210,255, 96,0,0
DATA @,0,169,@,141,190,192,-19,141
2 DATA 191,192,-19,169,33,141,192,19
2,-19,169

49360 DATA 16,141,193,192,-19,96,162,8,7
2

49368 DATA 41,127,77,191,192,-19, 141,191
,192,-19

45376 DATA 24,14,190,192,-19,46,191, 192
-19,144

49384 DATA 18,173,192,192,-19,77,190,192
,-19,141

49392 DATA 190,192,-19,173,193,192,-19,7
7,191,192,-19

49400 DATA 141,191,192,-19,104,10, 202,20
8,215
49408
49416
49424
49432
49440

DATA 96,13,80,82,69,83,83,32
DATA 60,82,69,84,85,82,78,62
DATA 13,13,13,0,48,49,50,51
DATA 52,53,54,55,56,57,65,66
DATA 67,68,69,70,0,@,-256,37944

COMMODORE WORLD

Carrier Detect

By Les Souga

THE PHOENIX NETWORK: AN ALTERNATIVE TO LARGE ON-LINE SERVICES

As an
modemer, I've long
forgotten that “new user”
feeling, the good kind of
new user feeling, where
each time youlog onto the
system, you feel there are
new and exciting places
to explore, as well as new friends to meet. This
new user feeling seldom returns to me unless I
happen to try outanew on-line system that seems
somehow different from the rest and has
something unique to offer. One of the nice things
about being a new user, whether a seasoned
veteran or truly new to the world of modems, on-
line services and the like, is when one finds a
unique service that makes them immediately feel
at“home”. The Phoenix Networkis one such place.

experienced

What is The Phoenix Network?
Phoenix is run by Kat Tate, who hosted Trivia
games on both Q-Link and AOL, and Glen Doty,
Co-Host on AOL. They joined forcesin Flagstaff,
Arizona and created The Phoenix Network, which
wenton-lineon October 1, 1 fterfivemonths
of planning and development. Tate and Doty
developed a couple of different philosophies and
goals, which have gone far in making Phoenix
one of the friendliest of on-line services, One of
the goals was to create a friendly alternative to
larger services that don’t offer a high level of
personal service, They have a policy of providing
users with support and information for their
specific computer, making it an ideal place for
Commodore users. Phoenix has approximately
250 users, of which about 158 are Commodore
users,

Volume 1, Number 3

The Phoenix Network utilizes SprintNet for
systen . This lets users calla phonenumber
in their own area to connect to SprintNet, which,
afterthe user typesa few commands, will connect
them to the on-line servic
Major BBS software, manufactured by

Thenetworkisrunon

Galacticomm, Inc., which allows multiple users
to be on-line simultaneously using a single
computer to run the entire show. Users m HI
using modem speeds from 300 through 2400
baud without incurring any extra charges above
the $4.50 per hour fee, while 9600 baud callers
are charged $2.00 more per hour as SprintNet
charges extra for this and Phoenix must pass on
theexpense to theuser. Doty recommended 9600
baud be reserved for file transfers while using
2400 baud to access the forum and chat are
Phoenix accepts both Visa
payment, but also allows users to make other
payment arrangements ifnecessary. The cost has
gone down to $4.50 per hour from $5.00 when it
first went on-line, Doty commented that as the
number of users increases, the cost will continue
to decrease.
Q-Linkrefugees, with little experience on other
systems should feel right at home on Phoen’
Many of th r people from Q-
frequent this service, and Phoenix has 24 hour
help available on-line, and off-line, witha toll free
voice phone numbe

S.
and MasterCard for

me fami nk

. The initial screens that are

seen at log-on are pre-set to 40 columns. These
screens change to 80 columns for those who have
selected the regular ANSI style menus, but an
option is available to have all menus and screens
displayed in 40 columns to help accommodate
Commodore 64 users. Staffers have taken extra
steps to ensure that Commodore users feel at

49

home, to the extent of mailing C64 customers
Novaterm 9.5 to use, as many of their new users
are fresh from Q-Link, and have only used Q-
Link’s terminal program. This can bea big jump
for many, and the personal service from Phoeni
staffers has probably helped many anew user feel
comfortable about asking questions and learning
their wayaroundonaservicethatisn'tgraphically
orientated.

The Phoenix staff has a very high regard for
privacy, butvery closely monitors irst timecallers
‘an spot those who need
extra help. When it appears a new user is having
aproblem, Phoenix's staff will often send the new:
user a message on-line (which can be seen
immediately), to offer guidance. Often they call
new users back (part of the initial sign-on proc

1

on th

system so they

involves giving your home phone number) to
offer further assistance.

Serious, Fun and Friendly
It's very hard to find an on-line system that can
seta balance between fun and the sharing of

information. The Phoenix Network manages to
al
ia games scheduled nightly, plus other
on-line games
ia forum areas as well as offering free Internet

reach a balance between fun in the form of seve

live tri

and serious information sharing

sand Usenet Newsgroups, including
COMP.SYS.CBM.

There are over 100 forum areas on Phoenix,
including a well attended Star Trek forum. The
Commodore Forum area provides Commodore
users with support via both messages and file
libraries. The Commodore message forums are
fairlyactiveandagood representation ofeveryday
64/128 users make this a nice area for those

COMMODORE WORLD

who don't wish to be too technical. For technical
conversations, the COMP.SYS.CBM newsgroup
is also available, so a nice blend of both are
ible on the same system. I was told that the
Commodore specific Usenet Newsgroup,
COMP.SYS.CBM, was not yet available, but
somehow | got lucky because this arrived on the
system the same day I logged onto it for the first
time.

For those who prefer to download their mail
and read it offline, Phoenix has a QWK-Mail
menu which works with either QWKRR128 or
the Commodore 64 QWKie off-line mail readers,
I was a little surprised that the QWK packet is
zipped, but not compressed. This could be
expensive if downloading a great deal of mail.
Commodore 64 users will need to use UNZIP64
and QWKIE3.1 to dissolve and read the
PHOENIX.QWK mail packet; C-128 users can
use UNZIP128 (or QPE, a utility program found
in NZP12813.SFX) to unzip the nd load
QWERR128 to read it (QPE loads QWKRR128
automatically), These files can be found in the
Commodore 64 or 128 file areas on Phoenix,

‘There are approximately 1000 Commodore
files on-line with more to come as the system
grows, While users are not charged for the time
spent in uploading files, all files are tested before
becoming available, and most are made “live”
within 48 hours after uploading. The selections
are divided between C64 and C128, and each has
avariety of diffe
games, applications, utilit
files, and last, but not least, SIDS, When it became
apparent that the file libraries on Q-Link would
notbe repaired, the musically inclined “SIDsters”
on Q-Link gravitated to The Phoenix Network.
‘The SID library on Phoenix is impressive and
active with new SID files to download. The
siDsters have a weekly gathering on Phoenix,
and their own message forum. It’s refreshing to
find new SID music after such a long dry spell.

Phoenix is big on fun and games. Nightly live
triv nesare scheduled and announced on the
opening screens. The trivia games are played in
the as, Which can be quitea bit offun with
the regulars who show up to play. The games.
90 minutes long, with the winners receiving 90
minutes of free access to the system. One person
hosts the trivia game asking the questions and
keeping track of the time (there is a time limit for
answering the questions), and another person
keeps track of the score. Half way through the
game, the scorekeeper lists the number of points

each user has accumulated, and there is a short
break before the game resumes,

Another game played in chat mode is Tingo,
an on-line version of Bingo which is very similar

Volume 1, Number 3

tothe games played in Bingo halls, exceptthatthe
computer generates and keeps track of the bingo
cards, as well as calling the numbers. Users can
typeacommand to view theircard to seehow well
they're doing while chatting with the others on-
line. Users “ante in" 5 minutes of time, with
whoever Bingo’s getting the ante of time as their
winnings, Other on-linegamesinclude Tradewars
2002, which is an interactive PC game that
Commodore 64 users can also play, Crosswords
(scrabble), Crossroads of the Elements, Global
Destruction Chess, Backgammon, Othello, Tic-
Tac-Toe, Super Nova, and sever
alsoahintsand frequently asked questionsforum

‘al more. There's

in the games area to handle questions that come
up often about the games. Many of the games are
interactive but are not the same as the Trivia
games which are “live action” games. LE., youare
playing

gainst other users at different times, and

scoresare kept by the system; itisn't necessary for
the players to be on the system all at the same
time.

Other fun can be foundin the message forums,
which include Mystery Dates where one user is
icked to go on a mystery d
offer humorous suggestions for who the date
e.
Inaway, thisissimilartomad-libs. TheCockroach
Cafe is another creative message forum on
Phoenix, which is game and fun and very weird
all at the same time,
An on-line flowershop allows users to

jate while other users

should be, to where they should goon their

spend ents and send other users on-line
flowers and other ANSI graphics as greetings. In
the chat areas, “Action Words” can be used to

send silly messages to others in the area. More
than a couple dozen words are available and
creative users are encouraged to submit them to
the operators to add to the list of words, Some are
tamesuchas “clap” toaddapplause when playing
games, orsilly such as “tickle username”, Shown
to those in chat modes text something like "Les
Songa is tickling So-and-So half to death,”

Phoenix offers both Adult and Family
whichare kept completely separated. When users
log on for the first time, they are asked about
whether or not they wish access the Adult Area. If
they don’t want access to it, users never see any of
the menu selections for the adult side of the

aii

18,

service. Access to the Adult Area is withheld until

theus

age is verified with photo identification
and a signed letter requesting admittance to the
area which can be faxed or mailed to the service.
‘The adult side includes forum, chat, fileand game

areas.

It’s inevitable on any on-line service that an
occasional user will annoy other users, break the
rules, orin someway cause problems, The Phoenix
Network has a unique way of dealing with these
Theuseris simply put
cell

usersina friendly r

anne

ina solitary confinement jail cell. A little ja
is drawn on the screen, and the user cannot go
about their normal activity until one of thr
things happen. They can log off, and then log
back on (but that's no fun), they can be pardoned
by thes
where they will find themselves in the dungeon or
maintenance areaofthesystem (no, notthe REAL
maintenance area, but an imaginary one that
resembles the basement of a large building with

ysop, or they can escape through a tunnel

Hooking Up With Phoenix

If you've never used SprintNet to access
other on-line services witha local telephone
number, you will need to dial (voice)
4-800-869-1155 andask abouta SprintNet
number near you, If you already know your
local SprintNet number, set your modem
for 8N1 (8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit)
and dial your local access number.

For modem speeds of 300-1200 baud,
when you see CONNECT on your terminal
screen, type:

D_ (uppercase"D") <RETURN>
For modem speed of 2400 or 9600 baud,
when you see CONNECT on your screen,
type:

@D (uppercase “D") <RETURN>
When you see “Terminal =" on the screen,
type:

50

D1 <RETURN>
When you see "@" on your screen, type:

C FYREBIRD
Once this is done, you will be connected to
The Phoenix Network. You will still need to
answer several questions to set up your
account. You will need your credit card
handy, as once you have followed all the
prompts and answered the questions
concerning your account, you will not be
allowed access to the actual system until
you've taken care of how you will be billed.
Youare given an option to page the system
operators, so if you need to make other
billing arrangements this can be done
easily and promptly.

HES

COMMODORE WORLD

pipes and wires and such). The only way
this entrapmentis by searching for and finding a
key to use to get out.

Looking Ahead

Phoenix has plans to supply Commodore users
with a terminal program designed to automate
the SprintNet log-on procedure. Other plans for
the near future include satellite service via Planet
Connect, which willallow Phoenix toadd Fidonet
and other networks to their system, and possibly

Phoenix For

Here's a brief rundown of what first time
users can expect on their first time call to
Phoenix:

You will be asked your name - not your
intended “user name”, but your legal name
for billing purposes. You will also be asked
for your address and birthdate,

In an effort to support the C64 users, all
of the initial log-on menus and text default
to 40 columns until you specify otherwise.
There are several ‘terminal type’ choices
available; these include English/ANSI,
English/64, and English/Rip. If using
Novaterm, C64 users canifthey wish select
the English/ANSI option, or they can use
the English/C64 option which will display
all text and menus in 40 column ANSI
instead. Once on-line with billing taken
care of, the user can change the settings
and if they wish, turn ANSI graphics off so
they have simply ASCII text.

Ironically, due to the software used by
The Phoenix Network, the next question is
alittle annoying for Commodore users, but
don't blame Phoenix for it—it's a limitation
of the software, not an oversight of the
on-line service. You are prompted with a
list of 9 computer types, and a tenth “none
of the above” for which kind of computer
you use, Commodore users need to select
the last option, for “none of the above".
When | asked Chief Engineer Glen Doty
about this, he apologized and explained
that this question and its responses were
built into the software. He does plan to
change this in the future, but to do so he
must first learn to program in the language
that MAJOR BBS software uses, as it
involves rewriting a section of the program
used to run The Phoenix Network.

The next question is an important one,
as it concerns whether or not you wish to

Volume 1, Number 3

f Cybernet, which would allow European and

Canadian callers to access the system.

The Phoenix Network offers new users very
complete support. It offers far more in the way of
service, support, new files, and friendliness
QcLink has offered users in many years. This

seems to be an excellent stepping ground for Q-
Link refugees who have never experienced other
id it offers much for the
experienced modemer, too. Many of the other

on-line services,

larger services offer Commodore support, but

Phoenix goes that extra mile in ensuring that
Commodore users are welcomed and feel
comfortable. In this day and age of mega on-line
services that offer everything from soup to nuts
without much in the way of friendliness or
personal service, it’s nice to find a system such as
‘The Phoenix Network, which offers many of the
same features as the larger services, yet has the
heartand soul ofa friendly neighborhood bulletin
board.

9)

the First Time

have access to the Adult area on the
Network. If you don’t wish access to this
area, you will never see any of the menu
prompts for the Adult area. Those who do
wish access to this area are not given
access until they have mailed or faxed one
form of photo identification and a signed
letter asking for Adult Area admittance.

Once you've made it to this point, The
Phoenix Network asks about what name
you wish to be called on the service. This
can be from 3 to 21 characters, and
capitalized as you wish. The system will
display how your chosen user-id will lookin
use, and you are given the opportunity to
change it. This is the only time you can
change this id, so if you want to change it at
a later date, you'll have to open another
account. If you do happen to have multiple
accounts, you can opt to have your mail
forwarded to someone else (presumably
your other user-id name) so you won't miss
any Email,

You are then prompted to enter your
password. Each time you call Phoenix, you
will be asked for both your user-id and
password before being given access to the
system. You are asked twice for the
password, to be certain that the password
is correct. You are then reminded to write
this information down and are given a
prompt to press return after you've done
so. You can always change your password
ata later date, but to do so, you must know
your old one to get on-line first before
changing it.

Once this process is complete, you are
told you have mail waiting for you. New
users are automatically sent a welcoming
note which explains a little about how to
use the system. Attached to this message
is a text file.) PHXUSER.DOC, which

51

contains detailed information about how to
use the entire system, C64/128 users are
told not to download this file as it's
“incompatible” with our systems and to
request the C64/128 version. However, the
only incompatibility this file has is thatit's in
true ASCII format, not PETASCII. If your
terminal program allows you to translate
the ASCII file formats, this is not a problem.
The only other “problem” with this file is that
it's long. Experienced users who have a
sequential file viewer or printer should have
no problems with the original
PHXUSER.DOC file. Inexperienced users
can leave a note and later download the
translated file if they wish, Itis nice to have
the option available.

When this message is first read, its
possible that you may not be able to
download the attached file, as the mail
menu doesn't allow you to seta file transfer
protocol. You can “Tag” the file, and before
logged off you are given the opportunity to
download it and can at that time select a
protocol for file transfers. It's important to
note that you are not given the opportunity
to choose a protocol unless you get fully
on-line by answering the billing information.

Once you've read the new user mail, the
system gives you three choices. You can
go to Billing and take care of how you will
pay for your account, you can find out
who's online, or you can log off. Once in the
Billing area, you can page the sysop and
make other billing arrangements if for
whatever reason you don't wish to pay by
credit card. One thing to note too, is that
you will be asked if you wish to purchase
time on the system in advance. You don’t
have to pay for time on-line in advance, but
it's nice to have the option available.

-LS.

COMMODORE WORLD

BBS NETWORKING SPOTLIGHT

Dse Ne TwWOoORK

AN OVERVIEW OF THE NETWORKING AVAILABLE FOR C-NET 64 DS-2

DS2 Network is a BBS Networking program
designed forC-Net Developers System-2 versions
) and 2.5, and was originally designed by Gary
O'Brien back in 1989. Gary further developed the
program to operate on v2.5 and planned on
having it be part of the upcoming C-Net DS-2
v3.0. Gary was responsible for writing and

developing DS2 Network from version 1.0 up
through version 3.03, and was also responsible
for the current 14-page Programmers Manual
that comes with the registered version, Version
3.0 of D$2 Network marked the third networking
concept used and so far the most efficient, Ituses

a pathed networking concept by which messages
ording to the BBS that your system
alls. The “path” would be the route the message
takes to get to its destination,

When Gary's hard drive finally gave up
operation in late 1992, the "Master Node” was
given toa BBS operator in Tennessee, who later
upgraded to another platform. ‘This left me as
one of the original Beta testers, and the only
programmer willing to attempt future
developmentofDS2 Network. In mid 1993, Gary
signed over all rights to further developmentand
support of DS2 Network to me,

I spent the first 9 months going line by line
through the programming, looking for possible
typos or illegal procedures. While doing so, |
found several undocumented features, and went
to work fixing the current bugs and finishing
some of the not yet completed updates. I created
the 40/80 column color Menus, the NetMaps
and the Maintenance routines for the
NetMatchmaker. | also fixed the File Request
routines that were originally used for updating
Network PRG files so we could send any PRG or
SEQ file through the network. My last addition
was to create two versions, one for registered and
one for unregistered SysOps. I then released DS2
Network v3.04. I'm currently working on
updating the Programmer Guide,and networking
compatibility with other systems,

are sent

c

Operation
‘The Networkis fully Automated, in that your BBS
will Call Out to your Home Node, transfer both

Volume 1, Number 3

by, Michael Bendre

batch files (incoming and outgoing) aswell asany
PRG or Update files, process the information to
your BBS and any other BBS that uses you as a
Home Node and delete old messages in the Net
Message Bases, NetWall and NetClassifieds (in
accordance with the number of days you have

configured each of theseareas for), Thisall occurs

automatically one

f you set your system
. Of course you can run it
manuallyas well, meaning that you would invoke
the Call Out process by issuing a single keystroke
while the system is waiting for a call, The rest of
the process would beautomatic, unless youchoose
not torun the Auto-Maintenance, in this case you
can also run the Auto-Maintenance manually as
well.

The Call Out process is done according to how
the system is configured. You can configure the
system to call out automatically or manually. If
it's configured to run automat then you
choose what days of the week your system lls
outto your Home Node, Thesystemdoes acheck,
tosee if it's your configured day to ca
h \y messages to send, and tose ifyouhave
already called out that day, If everything checks
out, then your system attempts to connect with
your Home Node, It will dial out 5 times or until
it connects. If it doesn’t connect, it will try again
anhourlater, Ifitdoes connect, the Remote Node
sends the Home Node info on his/her BBS. The
Home Node confirms this info and awaits the
first transfer, The Remote Node then sends the
batch file intended for the Home Node. Once

received, the Home Node then sends the batch
file they have for the Remote Node. If any PRG
files exist for the Remote Node and the Remote
Nodeis registered, then the Home Nodewill send
those using a Multi-Transfer. After sending and
receiving all the files, your system then hangs up
and begins the sort process. Manual callout works
, except the Sysop initiates the

in the same w
call out manually.

‘The sort process always takes place after the
call out is completed, assuming there is a file to
sort. The sort takes the one batch file and
distributes all the different messages to their
proper place according to what areas you have

52

available. The batch fileyoureceiveis constructed
for your system according to the areas you have
configured torreceive. Youwon'trece
that you don't have an area for. I aple, if
you have your NetWall turned Off, you will not
receive Messages forthe NetWalluntilyouturnit
back on. The same goes forall the Subs and other
areas. Once the sorting is complete and the logs
are updated, the bateh file is renamed to n.files.
Atthis point, the Filer takes overifyou'rea Home
Node as well; ifnot, the file is simply deleted.

If the Remote Node is also a Home Node to
other BBS's, the Filing process takes the n.files
batch file and Files it to the other BBS's that call
his/her system according to the areas they have
configured to receive on their system, This is
where the batch files are constructed to suit each
system. The Home Nodesearches the RELfileson
his/her system that pertain the Remote Node
that the batch fileis being sorted to. Ifthatsystem
is configured to receive messages for the area the

re

message is intended for, then that message is
saved or appended to that Remote Nodes batch
file. Ifthe Remote Nodeisn’t configured to receive
messages for that area, then that message is
ppedand the Filer goes on to the next message.
continues until all the messages are filed to
. Once this is
completed the system then deletes the n.files file
and awaits another call.

Local activity, activity on your system locally,
isdoneinasimilar manner. Onceall yournetwork
areas are set-up and folks start posting messages.
in any of the network areas on your system, the
message is saved to the file n.files, except with
NetMail. When sending or replying to NetMail,
the message goes directly to the batch file for that
system. If the receiving BBS calls different BBS,
then them
receiving BBS
came about, No matter where in the network a
system is, the network will determine the path
the message will follow based on who the Home
Node of that BBS is. All other messages being in
the n.files batch file, will be filed to every BBS's
batch file that’s above or below your system, if
those systems are configured to receive messages

Thi
all the Remote Nodes batch file

igeis sent to the Home Node of the

siswherethe“pathed" concept

COMMODORE WORLD

inthe sameareas. In the case of messages going to
your Home Node, messages in all areas are set
regardless ofthe Home Nodesconfiguration.
will allow BBS's on different ends of the network,
using different Home Nodes, to share the same
areas, despite what the Home Nodes are carrying.
Ifyour node is a Home Node, you're responsible
for messages coming to your system as well as
those going to your Remote Nodes.

Registration

Network has been Shareware since version
3.0. Gary's releases were done without
documentation. In order to even setup the
Network, you have to have the DOCS. Without
the correct additions to certain existing C-Net
files, DS2 Network would not work. In order to
get the DOCS, you had to send $15.00 to Gary.
Although alittle harsh, that's the way itwas done.
I decided to give folks a preview of sorts by giving
them DOCS to install the network, but disabling
all the features like File Request, 40/80 column
menus, and the NetMaps. This is why I released
two versions of the same software. Of course,
when you register, you receive the Programmer
Guide, the latest release of the program, and free
updates and support sent through thenetworkto
your system. To register DS2 Network, simply
send $15.00 in US Funds to:

Michael Bendure
92 Lee Ave Apt. N3
Newark, OH 43055

Configuration
Configuring DS2 Network isa little involved, but
the DOCS that come with it will explain the
process and I will also be available to help you
through any difficulties you come across, It
basically consists of copying all the files to their
proper location, modding four existing C-Net
PRG files (knownas DSP files), selectinga Library
of Subs for your Message Base and configuring
the Network according to your space and/or
budget limitations. You can also configure the
Auto-Maintenance to run by itself.

Thisareais where you choose your Home Node
(The BBS youwillcall to sendandreceivemessages
toand from), the days you want your BBS to call

Volume 1, Number 3

out to your Home Node, the areas you decide to
receive message in, the drives the network will
use, access levels for using the network options,
info on your BBS and modem setup. Theres also

a separate configuration for Auto-Maintenance
where youcan choose the cut-off date for deleting
old, inactive messages in the message base,
NetClassifieds and NetWall. You can configure
each area separately and choose which subs
survive the deleting of messages and which ones
do not, Auto-maintenance can be set to run
manually or automatically.

Message Base

DS2 Network ust Net's original Message Base
file with the Net Routines appended to the end of
the PRG file. This not only makes things more
ble, but also makes installation much
The Network currently uses one Library of
ibs for the Network. You can create a separate
Library for the Network opening up 20 possible
combinations of Networked Subs. Or you can
combine local Subs with the Network by using an
existing Library that already contains local Sub
Boards. The Network uses the first three
characters of the ne of a Sub Board to
determine whetherit'sa Networked Sub or not. If
the first three characters of your Sub is the same
someone else’s in the network, then you can
share messages in that area. Of course you also
have to toggle that sub ON in the NetConfigure
. You will only receive messages for the areas
you turn on in the configure area, as long as they
match someone else's. There are over 20 Subs to
choose from, ranging from teen topics to adult
only discussions.

compa

Netmail

As with most networks, DS2 Network also has
theabilitytosend privatenetwork mail (Netmail)
to anyone on any of the other systems in the
network. All you need to knowis the handle (user
name) of the person you want to send Netmail to
and at least the first three characters of the name
of the BBS they are on. If you know the whole
name, that's even better, but NetMail will search
the Nodelistand prompt you to confirm the BBS
is the correct one. Ifit isn’t, it will search for the
next occurrence of the characters you entered.

53

Once confirmed, the message will be filed to the
batch file of the BBS named. If that BBS calls
another system in the network, then the message
gets filed to the batch file of that system instead.
Netmail is also somewhat accessible through the
regular Email system as well as through Local
Mode;in that youcan reply toany Netmail sentto
you, but you can’t just send Netmail to anyone
from these areas—NetMail is used for that.
NetMail is also routed through the NetCharges
file, so anyone sending Netmail will be appended
to the NetCharges file with the appropriate
amountowed forthat message. (See NetCharges)

NetClassifieds

The NetClassifieds is an area somewhat like the
Classified Ads ina newspaper. There are nine (9)
ferent areas of Interest: Computers, Drives,
Modems, Printers, Music, Misc., Consenting
Adults, Men Seeking Women, and Women
Seeking Men. Thefirst six (6) are where folks buy,
sell or trade computer equipment, music or
instruments, and other odds and ends. The last
three are actually fun and “Head” games (forgive
the pun) for the Adult Only users. This area, like
all the network areas, is fully menu-driven and
simple to use.

Uponenteringthe NetClassifieds, you'retaken
to the first menu which displays the nine (9)
numbered entries and four (4) lettered
commands, You can read new entries in any of
nine (9) areas, read all entries in one of the areas,
or add an entry to any of the areas available to
you. When reading entries in one of the areas,
you can go on to the next entry in that area, send
Netmail to the person who made the entry, or
abort back to the menu where you can select
another entry orleave the NetClassifieds. SysOps
also have a Maintenance option to delete old or
unwanted entries. The Netclassifieds is also
routed through the NetCharges fileand applicable
charges apply (ifused).

NetMatchmaker

This area is rather self explanatory, When a user
enters the NetMatchmaker file, they can Enteran
application, search for specific users or search
through the entirefile fora match. Thesearch can
bedoneaccording tocertain aspects ofeach entry.

COMMODORE WORLD

You can search for Females only, Females with
Blue eyes, etc. When searching the file and a
match is found, you can view their stats and/or
send them Netmail. The Netmail will have the
Subject of Matchmaker Mail if you receive
Netmail in this fashion. Entering an application
inthe NetMatchmaker will promptyoutoanswer
a bunch of questions relating to your physical
appearance, as well as a few that describe your
interests, likes and dislikes. This file will be
appended to the local BBS as well as being sent
throughout the Network to everyone who has the
NetMatchmaker activated on their system. Only
NetMailis routed through the NetCharges file, so
entering an application does not incur charges.

NetWall

This is simply a Graffiti Wall that is Networked
throughout DS2 Network. You can toggle this on
or off just like the other Network areas. You have
25 lines to enter text graphics or whatever. The
message can be made anonymous or using your
Handle. It also displays the BBS Name and
Location. Messages here are routed through the
Netcharges so applicable charges do apply.

NetNodes

This is the base of the whole Network. From a
user's standpoint, it’s just a BBS list of all the
Nodes in the Network. As far as the Network is
concerned, it’s used to map the “path” the
messages will take to get to their destination. The
Net Nodes contains the BBS Name, Home Node,
Location, Phone Number, Sysop Name and last
call date ofeach BBS in the Network. Theuser can
view any combination of the info stored in this

file, alphabetically. The Node Listisupdated each
time a BBS calls its Home Node,

NetCharges

This area keeps a record of each user on your
system that uses the Net Options or NetMail. The
user is charged a predefined amount for each
block thatis used, when entering a Net Message.
‘The Message Base and NetMatchmaker entries
are free. All other areas are routed through this
system. The Sysop decides whether or not to
charge for Net Access. Regardless of whether you
use this area or not, the system still keeps the
records current, You can either remove this entry
from the Net Menu, or simply state to your users
that the area isn’t used.

NetStats

This fileisupdated with each connection. It keeps
a record on a month-to-month basis, which
contains the total of each type of Net Message

Volume 1, Number 3

that is written to your BBS. This file keeps the
current total and percentage of Posts, Responses,
NetClassifieds, NetWall, NetMail and
NetMatchmaker entries comingintoyour system
for each month.

NetMaps

Thisisa little mod I put together to view the three
Net Maps I wrote. The Graphical Map shows a
picture ofthe US and Canada withall the BBS'sin
their proper location, The Functional Map shows
simply who comneets to who in color or ASCII

formats. This feature notavailablein Unregistered
versions,

NetLogs

There are four separate log files for the Network:

The Activity Log, Call In Log, Call Out Log and
ransfer Log. The activity log keeps track of all
NetMail, Messages Sorted to your system and
the Auto-Maint logs. The Call In Logs tells
the and date of connection and
disconnection, the number of files sent and the
name of the BBS that called. The Call Out Log
does the same thing, and keeps track of the total
timeon-lineona month-to-month basis, allowing
youtoestimate youtotal phone bill for that month
based on how many minutes you were on-line. By
keeping an eye on this file, the Sysop can keep his
or her monthly bill within budget by turning the
Network off when reaching his or her limi
that month,

time

NetUpdates

This is simply the File Request system. It only
works from Home Node to Remote Node. You
can request a file by sending your Home Node
NetMail specifying the file you want. The Home
Node places the file on his Update Drive and
places the current time and date, the filename
and file type in the file sys.net.update. When the
Remote Node calls the next time, the file will be
sent along with the bath file.

DS2 Network Future

Currently, I'm working on the new release to the
Programmers Manual. The original was only 14
pages and only covered some of the routines.
Since v3.03, I've added a few mods and fixed
some undocumented routines that are included
in the New Manual. I've also added REL and SEQ
file format layouts. The new manual will be done
with GEOS v2.0 and will be available through the
Network. Hardcopies will be laser printed in a
bound Manual and will be made available for a

small fee.
T'vealso been gathering Sysops from other BBS

54

programs that run on the 64 and 128 to complete
the long awaited Comm-Net (A FidoNet-like
Networking for the 64 and 128, though not Fido
compatible). I've been working with the
programmers from Image v1.2a, DMBBS, C-Net
128 v6.0, Omni 128, and Color 64 to allow DS2
Network to convert each of these formats into
DS2 Network format. This will allow DS2
Networktoserveasa bridge forall these Networks
until we can get together to discuss further
development of a Comm-Net that everyone can
sily. This will give the 64 and 128
ive Network where everyone can join
rdless of their software.

Thisisaratherinvolved projectandit may take
a while to complete. So far I have the Image
conversion to DS2 Network almost complete.
will then start on either Color 64 or DMBBS.
Once all the 64 BBS's are netted, I'll begin the 128
conversions. Lee Loftis has something up his
sleeve for the 128 folks, sol'mapproaching the 64
side first. Lee is the new ML programmer for
C-Net 128and I'll be working with him on the 128
conversions.

Other future modifications willincludea better
File Request system running in both directions,
compatibility with C-Net DS2 v3.0 when it's
released, more than one Library for the Net
Message Base, 9600+ baud compatibility and
maybe Fido Net compatibility (At least for the
CBM areas).

Again, ifyou'rea Registered Sysop, all of these
additions will be available through the Network
free of charge. Extra Hardcopies of the Manual
andreplacementdisks will beavailableforasmall
fee. Unregistered versions have the File Request
routines disabled, no NetMaps,no40/80column
Color Menus and no Programmer Guide.

DS2 Network v3.04 is shareware and the
Registered version is copyrighted 1993 by Michael
Bendure. Please support the shareware concept,
the Commodore 64 and C-Net by Registering
your software. | can be reached via any of the
following methods:

convert to
and excl
r

Michael Bendure
92 Lee Ave Apt N3
Newark, Ohio 43055

FidoNet: 1:226/1400
Internet: michael. bendure@csrnet.bbs.net
GEnie: M.BENDURE
DS2 Net: Mitron @ Cyg

9

COMMODORE WORLD

Over The Kdge

By Charles A, Christianson

cy

THE LIQUIDATION SAGA CONTINUES

Asthe world watches in amazement, giant pieces
of a comet plunge into Jupiter's atmosphere
producingaspectacleneverbeforeseen by human
eyes. As amazing as this is for the many millions
of people who are interested in science and
astronomy, a smaller segment of the world’s
population waits to see the outcome ofthe bidding,
war that has ensued as a result of the liquidation
ofoneofthecomputerindustry’smostestablished
computer manufacturers: Commodore. There's
no headline on the evening news, no special
reports, no interviews with Tom Brokaw. But
then, they're tied up with important topics that
don't get enough coverage, like the OJ. fiasco,
Details on the status of the liquidation have
been sketchy at best, at least until today, July
19th. Inan article by Dan Stets ofthe Philadelphia
Inquirer, much light was shed on the lege
haggling and negotiations going on in the
Bahamas between the liquidation trustees and
the lawyers representing the major creditors.
Inhisarticle, Mr. Stets unveiled the remaining
known bidders. The first is a management team
from Commodore's own subsidiary in the United
Kingdom, which by the w
the company that was still profitable when
Commodore closed. The second is Samsung
Electronics ofKorea, a consumer electronics giant
and subsidiary of the Daewoo Corp. of Korea
whom Commodore owes some $15 million. The
remaining twoare Amstrad Ple.,aU.K. computer
firm, and Phillips Electronics of the Netherlands.
Other compan: edasmajorereditors were
Prudential Insurance Company of America and
its subsidiary Pruco Life Insurance Company,
who are owed a total of $28 million; and Anchor
National Life Insurance Company of os Angeles

Volume 1, Number 3

y Was the only unit of

who is owed $5 million. A list of creditors who
make up the remaining balance of the $145
million debt has not been released.

In June, several of the bidders requested an
extension of the bidding deadline so that they
could put together their best offers motion
was granted by the Bahamian courts anda July 15
deadline was set,

At the July meeting, the field was narrowed to
the companies mentioned above, Good news?
Maybe. But as you know, whenever a bunch of
lawyers get together, nothing productive comes
of it. Naturally the lawyers representing the
creditors couldn't just accept a bid and move on.
‘They instead motioned the court to move the
proceedings, or have parallel proceedings
conducted in a U.S. Bankruptey Court.

It's my understanding that the American
lawyers feel that the Bahamian Courts and
are not capable of handling these
‘They're questioning the efficiency
of the Bahamian legal system and its methods for
handling bankruptcy. The actual point of
contention seems to be that under U

55

Bankruptcy laws the creditors havemore say over
thefinal distribution ofassets, whilein Bahamian
courts they merely have an advisory role with the
courts making the final decisions. In short, it
looks like we could be in for a long ride through
the legal systems of both the U.S. and Bahamas.

One final piece of related information is that
thecreditorshaveexpressed concern overactions
taken by Commodore’s management team
shortly before and just after filing for liquidation
inthe Bahamason May 2, 1994. Specifically, they
wish to question the transfer of one subsidiary to
another, and the conduct of Mehdi R. Ali,
Commodore's former President,

It has been suggested that Ali tried to get
Prudential and Daewoo to agree not to interfere
in the liquidation proceedings by promising that
they would get back about 50 cents on every
dollar that Commodore owed them,

Ina statement filed in the Bahamian Supreme
Court by Stephen Richmond, an attorney
representing the creditors, Ali allegedly claimed
to havea foreign buyer for the company and that
the sale would move along quickly if there was no
interference by the Bankruptcy Courts in New
York, When asked specific questions about the
buyerorthetermsofthe sale, Aliallegedly refused
to comment,

When contacted at his home in Ridgefield,
CT., it was stated that Ali shouted, “You're
intruding on my home. I'll complain to your
editor, You'rean idiot.” Hmm... soundslike there
might be something worth looking into.

So stay tuned for the next installment of “As:
CBM Turns” in upcoming issues of Commodore
World. I hope that we have some good news to
report in the next issue.

COMMODORE WORLD

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lassified advertising in Commodore World at
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Authors:
If you have an interesting subject which you can write about, and
would like to see your article published here in Commodore World,
send for our Author's Guidelines by mailing a request to:

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Volume 1, Number 3

In the next issue of

COMMODORE

yo r OI

WORLD

7 AlECONUIMMIMCOMOTLS

We'll take a broad look at the various
modems and interfaces available, and top
that off with a large helping of
Telecommunications information.

Fun. Graplics
Machine

Every issue we bring you tips from the
authors of the Fun Graphics Machine. But for
those who still don’t know what FGM is all
about, we'll take a broader look.

Copyrights
We'll bring you the legal facts on copyrights,

and discuss some of the moral issues
involved with abusing them.

File Copier and
Le Borgne 1986 Quebec
3119 Pioneer Ave.,

COMMODORE WORLD

STAY IN TOUCH

ORLD

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WORLD

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interfaces.

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